appendix p. high priority conservation actions · finally, relevant data to be collected and...
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Appendix P. High Priority Conservation Actions The SWAP technical teams and other stakeholders initially identified over 200 high priority conservation actions. These were sorted into the following twelve categories, which represent generally stated conservation goals or themes:
Assess status of high priority habitats Assess status of high priority species Conserve high priority habitats Conserve high priority species Improve environmental education Improve private land management Improve public land management Improve SWAP communications Increase capacity for wildlife conservation Reduce impacts from development and other activities Implement climate change adaptation Engage in regional partnerships
The identified conservation actions included research and survey, habitat/species management, education, outreach, regulation, database, administrative, and funding efforts. For each conservation action, focal species/habitats, ecoregions, watersheds, funding sources, lead organizations, and partner organizations were identified. In addition, a brief description and comments/justification were outlined for each project. Finally, relevant data to be collected and performance indicators were identified for each project as a first step toward developing monitoring programs to facilitate adaptive management. Each conservation action on the list was evaluated and assigned an importance score using the following seven criteria: 1) Providing Multiple Benefits for High Priority Species/Habitats
The conservation action provides direct, measurable benefits for several high priority species and/or globally rare natural communities. (Rating =1 to 3; Weight: = 2)
2) Addressing Un(der)funded Needs:
The conservation action represents a significant improvement or advance in wildlife conservation in that it provides support for a conservation effort that is not addressed by other funding sources, programs, or organizations. (Rating =1 to 3; Weight = 1)
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3) Overall Importance of Georgia Efforts The conservation action addresses wildlife conservation needs that are unique to Georgia (e.g., endemic species) or for which Georgia serves a key role geographically or strategically. (Rating =1 to 3; Weight = 3)
4) Timeliness or Urgency
The conservation action addresses a problem that is particularly urgent. If this specific action is not implemented or continued in the next ten years, Georgia will experience a significant loss of biological diversity or habitat quality. (Rating =1 to 3; Weight = 3)
5) Connections with Other Conservation Actions
The conservation action serves as a critical component that enables or facilitates one to several other important conservation measures. Without this component, other efforts will be crippled or made ineffectual. (Rating =1 to 3; Weight = 2)
6) Building Public Support for Wildlife Conservation
The conservation action is likely to increase overall public support for wildlife conservation. The benefits of the action will be readily apparent to the public, or the project itself will focus on increasing public support for conservation. (Rating =1 to 3; Weight = 2)
7) Probability of Success
The conservation action is likely to succeed because it employs tested methodologies, has strong support from stakeholders, and has clearly identified and readily achievable objectives. (Rating =1 to 3; Weight = 2)
[NOTE: Rating reflects relative contribution or significance of a conservation action for a particular factor (1 = Low; 2 = Medium; 3 = High). Weight is a multiplier of the rating and indicates relative contribution of that criterion to the total score. Maximum total score = 45 points.] The technical teams assessed the contribution of each conservation action for each of these criteria and assigned scores based on those assessments. The resulting point totals were used to sort the conservation actions into three categories: very high priority (41-45 points), high priority (36-40 points), and medium priority (27-35 points). Conservation actions scoring less than 27 points were deleted from the list.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-3
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
1
Assess Status of
High Priority
Habitats
Implement statewide habitat
mapping effort and conduct
assessments of rare natural
communities and habitats that
support species of conservation
need.
Survey Proposed Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildlife
Grants other federal
sources, private
foundations
DNR, contractors NatureServe, TNC,
public and private
landowners
2
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Conduct surveys for rare plants
known historically from Georgia
Survey Proposed Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, USFWS
DNR Contractors and
taxonomic
specialists
3
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Conduct surveys for undersampled
high priority mammals (e.g. spotted
skunk, humpback whale) and assess
conservation needs.
Survey Proposed Spotted skunk - essentially
statewide in a variety of
habitats; Humpback whale -
marine habitats
All All State Wildlife Grants,
USFS, UGA, NMFS
DNR USFS, UGA, NMFS,
Provincetown Center
for Coastal Studies
High Priority Conservation Actions P-4
1
2
3
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Implement a statewide habitat mapping initiative to inform
conservation efforts at multiple scales. Assess the status and
distribution of natural communities using revised natural community
classification system. Survey known existing, historic, and
probable locations of rare natural communities, assessing
conservation status and conducting botanical and zoological
surveys
VH Although there are coarse landcover analyses for Georgia, none have
thoroughly assessed fine-scale natural community types at a state
level. Few of the rarest natural communities in Georgia have been
adequately described using the ecological framework developed by
NatureServe. In particular, very little is known about the current
distribution and abundance of rare wetland habitats in NW Georgia.
These wetland communities are currently under increased threat due to
residential and commerical development. Systematic surveys and
assessments of these and other high priority habitats are needed to
better determine the distribution and condition as well as protection and
management priorities. A statewide habitat data layer is needed to
inform local, state and regional land conservation efforts.
GIS coverages and
descriptions of natural
communities, assessments
of abundance and condition,
addition of natural community
records into Biotics.
Statewide GIS coverage and
descriptions of natural
communities; assessments of
threats and status, addition of
community records into Biotics,
recommendations for protection
and management of high proirity
natural communities
Conduct field surveys for rare plants known to occur in Georgia but
not observed in recent years.
H Many of these species have not been observed in the state for more
than 25 years and are in need of current status surveys to determine
whether they have indeed been extirpated.
Distribution, habitat, and
abundance data;
documentation of sites
visited and species observed;
reports of status and
condition of observed rare
plant species populations
and associated habitats;
management
recommendations
Number of updated records on the
distribution and condition of
globally rare plants in Georgia.
Specific recommendations for
protection and management of
these populations.
Spotted skunk -- document occurrence using camera traps (citizen
science effort). Humpback whales - document spatial and temporal
extent of occurrence in Georgia waters
M Spotted skunk -- there are growing recent concerns about this species
throughout its range; very few records from Georgia, rarely
encountered. Humpback whale - small numbers of humpback whales
are observed in Georgia waters annually; need to assess whether
numbers are increasing and if there are potential impacts that need to
be managed; most of this work can be done opportunistically during
existing right whale surveys
Spotted skunk -- occurrence
locations, habitat and
landscape data. Humpback
whales - photo-identification
data, genetics and effort-
corrected aerial sighting data.
Spotted skunk -- occurrence
records and survey effort
coverage. Humpback whales -
identification of whales utilizing
Georgia waters seasonally,
threats, identification of stock
these whales belong to through
photo-ID and genetics by
cooperating with NMFS and
Provincetown Center for Coastal
Studies.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-5
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
4
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Assess Middle Georgia black bear
population and habitat conservation
needs; develop conservation plan for
Ocmulgee River corridor
Survey,
Conservation
planning
Ongoing Ursus americanus/
Ocmulgee River floodplain
SP Ocmulgee DNR DNR UGA, NPCA, USFS,
USFWS, Georgia
Wildlife Federation,
Georgia Land
Conservation Center,
local governments,
land trusts
5
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Assess populations of high priority
terrestrial birds in the Coastal Plain
(e.g. swallow-tailed kite,
southeastern American kestrel,
painted bunting, Henslow's sparrow).
Survey Ongoing Elanoides forficatus,
bottomland hardwood forests
Falco sparverius paulus;
Passerina ciris/scrub-shrub,
maritime forest, interdune
scrub; Ammodramus
henslowii , Aimophila
aestivalis , other grassland
birds; various early
successional habitats
SP, SCP Numerous Nongame Wildlife
Fund, USFWS, State
Wildlife Grants,
Altamaha River
Cooperative for
Stewardship &
Research (ARCSR),
USGS, UGA
DNR, USGS Avian Research &
Conserv. Institute;
ARCSR; UGA;
University of
Georgia, Georgia
Southern University,
Georgia Power;
University of
Georgia, USFWS,
Georgia Southern
University, USGS-
Patuxent, private
barrier islands, SC
DNR, NC Museum,
NCWildComm , FL
WCC
6
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Assess status of high priority
bryophytes, lichens, and graminoids
in Georgia.
Survey Proposed Numerous (all high priority
bryophytes and graminoids)
All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, USFWS
DNR University System of
Georgia, contractors,
taxonomic
specialists
High Priority Conservation Actions P-6
4
5
6
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Periodically assess black bear population size and habitat
utilization. Utilize model of habitat suitability and use to develop a
conservation plan for this and associated species in the Ocmulgee
River corridor.
H This small, isolated black bear population is being pressured by
surrounding development, resulting in loss of habitat. Opportunities to
protect habitat for this species should be assessed in the context of
providing protection to a broader complex of habitats in this portion of
the Ocmulgee River corridor.
Numbers of bears, locations
of home ranges and utilized
habitats. Locations of other
high priority species and
habitats that could benefit
from conservation efforts in
this area.
Bear numbers, acreage used;
estimates of amount of habitat
needed to maintain population.
Conservation objectives for
Ocmulgee River corridor.
Use aerial/ground surveys and sightings to determine distribution
and abundance of STKIs in GA., and identify critical nesting,
roosting, and foraging areas. Monitor nests and radio-tag birds to
evaluate nesting success, habitat use, site fidelity, threats, etc.
Assess population of southeastern American kestrels nesting along
powerline corridors and evaluate replacement nest structure.
Conduct a status assessment of the Atlantic Coastal population of
the painted bunting exploring factors affecting its survival and how
to best manage habitat for it on public lands. Assess importance of
Georgia as a wintering area for Henslow's Sparrow. Evaluate
factors critical to sustaining populations of Bachman's Sparrow
during the breeding season and winter.
H Swallow-tailed kite surveys were initiated in 1997, and the data
collected are instrumental in working toward the conservation and
management of Georgia’s STKI population, and the long-term protection of this imperiled species. The southeastern American Kestrel
is a species of high conservation concern, having lost much of its
original nest habitat. This project explores various population
parameters and use of various artificial nest cavities in a population
nesting in power poles along a powerline in south Georgia. The Coastal
Plain of Georgia may be a critical wintering area for Henslow's Sparrow
and represents the center of the Bachman's Sparrow range. Evidence
suggests that the Atlantic Coast population of Painted Bunting is very
likely a separate species or subspecies from the interior breeding
population. Both populations have undergone tremendous declines over
the last few decades, particularly the Atlantic Coast population. This
population likely numbers in the low 100,000s making it highly
vulnerable to extirpation.
Swallow-tailed kites -
sightings, nests and site
fidelity, estimates of
productivity, nesting and
foraging habitats, movement
patterns, diet. Kestrel -
nesting success and
fecundity, preferences in
nesting structures. Painted
bunting - abundance, levels
of predation, parasitism;
habitat parameters;
Henslow's Sparrow -
presence, abundance,
habitat preferences;
Bachman's Sparrow - relative
abundance, density,
population size, and habitat
quality.
Swallow-tailed kites - distribution,
abundance, productivity, and
survival, identification of nesting
and foraging habitats, land-use or
habitat associations. Southeastern
American kestrel - number of nest
sites surveyed, nesting success
with replacement structures.
Painted bunting - estimated
number of breeding pairs or
population size, population trends,
effects of habitat management
efforts. Henslow's Sparrow -
Number of sites surveyed and
relative abundance/density.
Bachman's Sparrow - breeding
population size estimate, micro-
habitat feature determination.
Survey known existing and historic sites, as well as likely habitat for
high priority mosses, liverworts,lichens, and graminoids. Conduct
field surveys for recognized rare species and herbarium work to
determine historic locations. Consult with taxonomic experts and
knowledgeable field botanists on range, habitat needs, and
conservation status of these species.
H Little is known about the current distribution and abundance of mosses,
liverworts, lichens, and graminoids in the state. Based on the SWAP
evaluation of rare plants, it is clear that there are numerous globally rare
species in need of current status surveys.
Distribution, habitat, and
abundance data.
Documentation of sites
visited and species observed;
reports of status and
condition of observed rare
plant species populations
and associated habitats;
management
recommendations
Updated data on the distribution
and condition of globally rare
plants in Georgia. More specific
recommendations for protection
and management of these
populations.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-7
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
7
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Conduct aerial surveys for federally
listed birds (bald eagle nesting
surveys; wood stork nesting and
roosting surveys).
Survey Ongoing Haliaeetus leucocephalus,
Mycteria americana
All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, ESA Section 6
DNR USFWS, University
of Georgia, Others
8
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Conduct Armuchee Creek aquatic
species surveys
Survey,
Monitoring
Proposed Numerous SA-RV Oostanaula State Wildlife Grants,
other Federal Funds
DNR or USFWS TNC
9
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Conduct assessments of federal
petitioned and candidate species, as
well as undersampled high priority
species not currently under federal
review. Work with other state
agencies in the region to implement
the Southeast At-Risk Species Plan
Survey,
Database
Ongoing Numerous All All Section 6, State
Wildlife Grants, other
federal grants,
Nongame Wildlife
Fund.
DNR, USFWS, other
Southeastern states
UGA, Joseph Jones
Ecological Research
Center, private
contractors
10
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Conduct disease testing of
vulnerable amphibians and reptiles
Research,
Survey
Ongoing, Proposed Numerous All All State Wildlife Grants,
Section 6
DNR SCWDS, University
of Tennessee
11
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Conduct Gulf Slope mussel surveys Survey,
Monitoring
Proposed Suwannee Moccasinshell,
Ochlockonee Mocassinshell,
Suwannee Pigtoe, Oval
Pigtoe, and Shinyrayed
Pocketbook.
SP Numerous State Wildlife Grants DNR, USFWS
High Priority Conservation Actions P-8
7
8
9
10
11
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Conduct statewide monitoring of nesting bald eagles, relyiing
primarily on helicopters surveys. Conduct aerial surveys for wood
storks each spring to identify and monitor nesting colonies; develop
techniques for aerial estimates of colony productivity using low
altitude digital photography. Work with landowners to manage
nest sites.
H These survey projects are needed for monitoring recovery efforts for
federally listed species nesting in Georgia. The bald eagle survey
efforts have been deemphasized in recent years, but wood stork survey
efforts continue to be an important component of WRD's recovery
efforts.
Bald eagles - nest
occupancy, specific nest site
locations, fledglings per nest.
Wood storks - number of
nests, nest and chick survival
to fledging, productivity
estimates, number of
colonies.
Number of active colonies (wood
storks); number of nests
constructed; number of birds
hatched and fledged per year.
Productivity estimates for wood
storks developed regionally to give
U.S. Wood Stork productivity for
Recovery Plan goals.
Survey for fishes, mussels and crayfish in the Armuchee Creek
system. The goal would be to document full diversity and establish
a baseline for long-term monitoring
M Armuchee Creek is a high quality tributary in the Coosa drainage, with
the potential to support several high priority aquatic species. It has only
been surveyed at a few sites. The system is threatened by nutrient
pollution, development, and the development of springs for water
supply.
Species presence at survey
sites
Number of high priority species
persisting in the watershed;
number of new high priority
species discovered during survey.
Georgia is home to over 100 species that are under federal review
by USFWS as candidate species or species that have been
formally petitioned for listing. We will be assisting the Service by
conducting status surveys, providing status reports, and providing
input into range-wide conservation plans for these at-risk species.
VH The current status of many of these species is unknown or poorly
known. To properly inform any listing decisions, status surveys on these
species are necessary.
Various, including population
estimates, catch per unit
effort, relative abundance,
threats to viability.
Information on distribution, overall
abundance, and viability of
populations in state; number of
species listings precluded and
conservation plans implemented.
Potentially or known-to-be vulnerable high priority amphibians and
reptiles will be sampled for emerging infectious diseases mostly as
a component of on-going population surveys and monitoring efforts.
H Newly emerging diseases are a growing conservation concern for many
of our priority species, some of which are known to be highly
susceptible while others have been unchallenged thus far but are
potentially vulnerable. Diseases and disease-causing pathogens
include Snake Fungal Disease (potentially harmful to all snake
species), Upper Respiratory Tract Disease (affects gopher tortoises and
box turtles), ranavirus (affects many amphibians and some turtles;
gopher frogs are highly vulnerable based on laboratory trials), and
amphibian chytrid fungi (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and B.
salamandrivorans).
Positive and negative
detections, health status
Number of positive detections per
species sampled, population
effects
Survey mussels in poorly sampled stream reaches in the
Ochlockonee, Withlacoochee and Suwannee basins. Species of
interest include Suwannee Moccasinshell, Ochlockonee
Mocassinshell, Suwannee Pigtoe, Oval Pigtoe, and Shinyrayed
Pocketbook.
H There are many streams in Gulf Slope drainages of Georgia with the
potential to harbor unknown populations of high priority mollusks.
Documenting new or updated occurrences of these species is needed
for status assessment and to plan conservation efforts. This area has
been much less surveyed than the
Species presence, species
relative abundance, habitat
quality
Number of species with completed
surveys and status assessments
High Priority Conservation Actions P-9
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
12
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Conduct midwinter waterbird survey
and piping plover winter survey;
conduct research and surveys on
southeastern red knot and
whimbrels; investigate American
oystercatcher ecology and
demographics
Survey Ongoing 33 species of outer barrier
beach affiliated wintering
waterbirds, emphasis on
Charadrius melodus, Calidris
canutus, Limosa fedoa, and
Haematopus palliatus
SCP Atlantic
Coastal Plain
Nongame Wildlife Fund DNR, Audubon, NC State
University
USFWS, ACOE, St.
Catherines Island
Foundation, Sapelo
Estuartine Research
Reserve, Ogeechee
Audubon, Coastal
Audubon, TNC, Sea
Island Company,
Cumberland Island
Homeowners
Association., NPS
13
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Conduct surveys for Black Rails in
high marsh areas of saltmarsh and
possibly other shallowly flooded
freshwater habitats
Survey Ongoing, Proposed Black Rail SP, SCP, PD All SP, SCP,
and PD
drainages
State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR Black Rail working
group, Little St.
Simons Island, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife
Service, Center for
Conservation Biology
14
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Conduct surveys for high priority bats Research,
Survey
Ongoing Corynorhinus rafinesquii, All
Myotis spp., Lasiurus
intermedius, Perimyotis
subflavus
All All State Wildlife Grants,
GDOT, UGA
DNR USFS, USFWS,
GDOT, UGA, GA
Museum of Natural
History, Eco-Tech,
Ecological Solutions
High Priority Conservation Actions P-10
12
13
14
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Complete winter beach survey conducted in late January, over a
period 1.5 hrs. before and after high tide. Also, continue red knot
surveys by researchers from Manomet, USFWS, volunteers and
DNR, as well as surveys of whimbrels conducted by DNR staff. For
American oystercatcher - promote, support, coordinate local and
regional studies examining migration patterns, life history
parameters, recruitment, longevity, age and sex ratios and identify
important range-wide population centers.
VH Annual midwinter survey incorporates International Winter Piping Plover
Survey conducted by the USFWS every 5 years. Georgia is the only
state to conduct this type of survey targeting shorebirds. The Altamaha
River Delta is the only major fall staging area for Red Knots on the
Atlantic coast. Although the Eastern Arctic population of red knots has
declined by more than 50% in the last ten years, the entire SE
population (12,000) stages on the Altamaha prior to dispersal to other
SE states. This group is showing insular qualities and appears to be
more stable. Continued studies are needed to determine the ecological
and biological parameters that support this unique group of knots.
American oystercatcher is a high profile estuarine inhabitant and beach
nester. Management protocols for this species will have implications for
large assemblage of beach nesting obligate species.
Distribution of wintering
shorebirds and seabirds;
location data for shorebird
roosts. Red knot - numbers,
habitat use, age ratios, band
resight data, sex ratios, body
weights, physical condition,
temporal use and turnover,
contaminant exposure,
forage species, feeding rates.
Whimbrel - flock counts at
Gould's Inlet. American
oystercatcher - life history,
population demographics,
disturbance and depredation,
migration, wintering, nesting
ranges, health parameters.
Reports from each island are
generated with regional priority
species highlighted. Peer review
of manuscripts and publication
expected. Data made available to
the public through the GOS
website and used toward species
trend assesment in Program for
Regional and International
Shorebird Monitoring Program
(PRISM)
Continuation and possible expansion of survey work started
recently under Imperiled Species funding from USFWS. This would
include vocalization playback surveys in appropriate high marsh
habitats and possible expansion of these surveys to shallowly
flooded freshwater habitats inland in the Coastal Plain and
Piedmont.
VH This species has been decline for over a century. More recent surveys
in the mid-Atlantic indicate that it may have declined by as much as 75-
90% over the last two decades. This bird is considered one of the
highest priority bird species in need of conservation action in the U.S.
Sea level rise and other factors are the most significant threats.
Presence and abundance
data over several years.
Number of sites where Black Rails
are present as well as number of
individual birds present.
Survey within suitable habitat for presence of species of concern,
track individuals to roost sites, formulate conservation strategy
H More information is needed to better determine the range and
abundance of these high priority species. Better distribution information
will allow for more targeted sampling and a focus for potential mitigation
efforts in high priority bat habitats.
New locations of occurrence,
identification of important
foraging and roosting sites,
threats, movements,
document declines from
WNS
Number of new occurrence
records, number of roost sites,
number of threats addressed
High Priority Conservation Actions P-11
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
15
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Conduct surveys for Yellow Rail in
pine flatwoods and similar sites as
well as other shallowly flooded
habitats
Survey Proposed Yellow Rail SP, SCP All SP and
SCP
drainages
State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR
16
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Conduct Upper Coosa mollusk
surveys
Survey,
Monitoring
Proposed Numerous RV, BR Numerous State Wildlife Grants DNR, USFWS TNC, Kennesaw
State University
17
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Conduct Upper Nottely River aquatic
species surveys
Survey,
Monitoring
Ongoing Sicklefin Redhorse BR Hiwassee State Wildlife Grants DNR Young Harris
College, USFWS-
Asheville
18
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Continue calling frog survey routes
as part of the North American
Amphibian Monitoring Program
Survey,
Monitoring
Ongoing Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildlife
Grants
USGS-Patuxent, DNR USGS-Patuxent,
DNR, volunteers
19
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Continue Conasauga River fishes
monitoring
Survey,
Monitoring
Ongoing Numerous RV, BR Conasauga USFWS, Nongame
Wildlife Fund
DNR GMNH
20
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Continue Etowah River aquatic
species and water quality monitoring
Survey and
Monitoring
Ongoing Numerous PD, BR Etowah Section 6 DNR, USFWS GMNH
High Priority Conservation Actions P-12
15
16
17
18
19
20
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
This would be a preliminary effort to assess where Yellow rails
occur in the state and in what numbers. Most effort would be
concentrated in shallowly flooded to mesic pine flatwoods and
similar habitats at night. Researchers in Alabama and Mississippi
have developed a technique similar to the one we use for
Henslow's Sparrow surveys (flush netting) that is effective at night
for Yellow Rails. They have captured many birds in areas similar to
those where we catch Henslow's Sparrows during the daytime.
H This would be the first attempt in the state to quantify Georgia's
importance to wintering habitat of this rare and declining species. At
several sites survey logistics could be piggy-backed on those for
Henslow's Sparrows, basically running Henslow's surveys at a site
during the day and then a Yellow Rail survey at the same site at night.
Presence and abundance
data over several years.
Number of sites where Yellow
Rails are present as well as
number of individual birds present.
Implement occupancy sampling for freshwater mussels and snails
in the under sampled reaches of the upper Coosa, including
Coosawattee, Oostanaula, and Chattooga rivers. We will use our
Conservation Status Assessment Maps, and other data sets, to
identify under-sampled reaches in the Coosa system.
H There are many stream reaches in the upper Coosa system in Georgia
with the potential to harbor unknown populations of high priority
mollusks. Documenting new or updated occurrences of these species is
needed for status assessment and to plan conservation efforts.
Species presence/absence at
sites throughout the Coosa.
Estimate of species
occupany, corrected for
incomplete detection.
Number of new or updated
occurrences documented.
Survey for rare fishes, mussels, and crayfishes in Nottely River
mainstem, upstream of Lake Chatuge. This reach has not been
thoroughly surveyed for rare aquatic species. Assess potential for
stream to support Sicklefin Redhorse.
M The Upper Nottely River still maintains moderate to high quality moutain
river habitat. It has not been extensively surveyed anc could support
undocumented populations of rare aquatic species. It is within the
historic range of the Sicklefin Redhorse, and the upper Nottely could be
a potential reintroduction site.
Lists of species at multiple
sites on the mainstem
Nottely River, habitat data
Number of new populations
documented, report documenting
habitat quality for Sicklefin
Redhorse
Continue coordinating NAAMP in GA and recruit new surveys in an
effort to increase the number of routes.
H NAAMP is the primary source for information on population trends of
frog species on state, regional, and national scales. Increasing the
number of routes run each year will improve the statistical power to
detect significant changes in frog populations, allowing quicker and
more accurate detection of changes thereby speeding up subsequent
conservation actions.
5-minute point counts at 10
stops per route.
Number of volunteers and routes
added.
Continue Conasauga River mainstem monitoring of fishes and
water quality. Expand project to include mussels and other rare
aquatic species as appropriate. Integrate results with ongoing
water quality and contaminant studies in this watershed.
H The upper Conasauga River supports more high priority aquatic species
than any other watershed in Georgia. Long-term monitoring of high
priority aquatic species is needed to ensure that species persist and are
responding positively to management actions. The GMNH has been
monitoring fishes in this watershed since the late 1990s and we plan to
continue this monitoring with Section 6 funds
Species occupancy, habitat
and water quality data,
estimates of abundance, etc.
Proportion of native species with
stable or increasing occupancy
rates across sites
Continue Etowah River mainstem monitoring of fishes and water
quality. Consider expansion of project to include other rare aquatic
species (such as the Etowah Crayfish) as appropriate.
M The Etowah River System is one of the richest drainages in Georgia
(and the US) and provides habitat for several globally imperiled species.
Long-term monitoring of high priority aquatic species is needed to
ensure that species persist and are responding positively to
management actions. The GMNH has been monitoring fishes in this
watershed since the late 1990s and we plan to continue this monitoring
with Section 6 funds
Species occupancy, habitat
and water quality data,
estimates of abundance, etc.
Proportion of native species with
stable or increasing occupancy
rates across sites
High Priority Conservation Actions P-13
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
21
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Continue Flint River and Sawhatchee
Creek mussel monitoring
Survey,
Monitoring
Ongoing Numerous SP Lower Flint,
Lower
Chattahooche
e
State Wildlife Grants DNR, USFWS Flint Riverkeeper
22
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Continue Line Transect Distance
Sampling (LTDS) of gopher tortoise
populations
Survey,
Monitoring
Ongoing Gopherus polyphemus SP, SCP Numerous State Wildlife Grants,
Section 6
DNR Joseph Jones
Ecological Research
Center
23
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Continue long-term monitoring of
Pigeon Mountain salamander and
other cave-inhabiting salamander
populations; conduct surveys for
other high priority cave and outcrop
species.
Survey,
Monitoring
Ongoing Plethodon petraeus ; other
cave and outcrop inhabiting
salamander species,
including Aneides aeneus
SA-RV Tennessee Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildlife
Grants, ESA Section 6
DNR Piedmont College
24
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Continue monitoring hellbender and
eastern indigo snake occupancy
Survey,
Monitorng
Ongoing Cryptobranchus
alleganiensis, Drymarchon
couperi
SA-RV, BR,
SP, SCP
All Coastal
Plain
watersheds,
Tennessee
drainage
State Wildlife Grants,
Section 6
DNR The Orianne Society
25
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Continue to explore use of eDNA
sampling to survey for cryptic
amphibian and fish species
Research,
Survey
Ongoing, Proposed Eurycea aquatica,
Urspelerpes brucei,
Gyrinophilus palleucus,
Ambystoma cingulatum,
Ambystoma bishopi,
Enneacanthus
chaetodon, others
All All State Wildlife Grants,
Section 6
DNR DOD, USFS, USGS,
The Orianne Society,
Warm Springs Fish
Technology Center,
Charles H. Wharton
Conservation Center
High Priority Conservation Actions P-14
21
22
23
24
25
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Continue monitoring freshwater mussel populations in key sites in
the lower Flint River Basin and Sawhatchee Creek (lower
Chattahoochee). This work has been ongoing by WRD and
partners since the mid 2000s.
H Mussel populations in this part of the state are impacted by low stream
flows associated with drought and human water use. Monitoring is
necessary to ensure that species persist and also to identify the flows
needed for mussel survival and recruitment
Mussel survival, growth,
recruitment and occupancy
rates
Number of mussels with stable or
increasing populations
LTDS is the standard rangewide method for estimating gopher
tortoise population sizes and age distribution. The Candidate
Conservation Agreement (CCA) in which WRD is a part requires
periodic (every 7-10) population monitoring of tortoises on state
lands using this methodology.
VH This is required by the CCA and will allow us to evaluate the reponse of
our habitat management and conservation efforts for the tortoise on
state lands and select private lands over time.
Number of tortoises detected
per site, burrow occupancy
rates, burrow widths as a
refernce for age class
distribution, population
estimates, high priority
burrow commensal presence
Stable or increasing population
sizes, representation of all size
classes indicating good
recruitment
Seasonal counts of salamanders at Pigeon and Lookout mountains
will provide information on species stability over time.
H The Pigeon Mountain Salamander is a very restricted species and thus
is especially vulnerable to endangerment or extinction in the event of
significant, localized disturbance. Monitoring known populations will
allow for detection of status changes and permit timely conservation
actions to be implemented if necessary.
Time or area constrained
counts of individual
salamanders, habitat quality
evaluation
Relative abundance of Pigeon
Mountain and other cave-
inhabiting salamanders between
sites and over time; changes in
habitat quality
Eastern indigo snake occupancy monitoring has been employed at
selected sites in the sandhills of the lower Altamaha River basin
and will be periodically (every 2-3 years) continued here and
expanded to other areas (likely Alapaha and Satilla river sandhills).
Similarly, occupancy modeling has been used to monitor eastern
hellbender populations in select mountain streams and will be
continued every three years.
H A critical component of successful conservation efforts involves
monitoring to evaluate the population stability of the target organisms.
Eastern indigo snakes and hellbenders are relatively easy to sample for
and lend themselves well to this approach
Observations/captures per
site, per year
Stable or increasing occupancy
trends
Many amphibians and fishes are difficult or unreliable to detect with
standard techniques. DNA from sloughed skin cells can be filtered
from water, run through PCR, and identified to species.
M eDNA analyses allow easy detection of species presence for species
that are difficult to catch, occur in inhospitable habitats, or only spend a
limited time in a site of interest. This technology has the potential to
discover new populations of rare species that are otherwise difficult to
document. We are currently attempting this with Blackbanded Sunfish
in southwest Georga
Number of positive eDNA
detections in known (control)
and new locations; number of
eDNA samples required for a
high probability of detecting
the species when present
Number of new populations
discovered
High Priority Conservation Actions P-15
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
26
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Determine population demographics
(size, nesting success, productivity,
etc.) for MacGillivray's Seaside
Sparrows
Research,
Survey
Ongoing, Proposed Seaside Sparrow SCP All Atlantic
drainage
watersheds
State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR UGA, other
universities, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife
Service, SE
saltmarsh bird
working group,
possibly National
Audubon
27
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Evaluate status and distribution of
high priority snails
Survey,
Monitoring
Proposed Numerous All Numerous State Wildlife Grants DNR USFWS, Kennesaw
State University
28
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Expand Breeding Bird Survey routes Survey Ongoing Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife Fund USGS-Patuxent, DNR USGS-Patuxent,
DNR, GOS and
Audubon volunteers
29
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Explore use of detection dogs to
survey for cryptic reptile species
Research,
Survey
Proposed Heterodon simus,
Ophisaurus mimicus , others
SP, SCP Numerous State Wildlife Grants,
Section 6
DNR DOD, The Orianne
Society, private
contractors
30
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Implement Altamaha mussel
monitoring
Survey,
Monitoring
Proposed Altamaha Spinymussel SP, SCP Numerous State Wildlife Grants or
other federal funds,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR USFWS, Academia,
Altamaha
Riverkeeper
31
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Implement Tallapoosa aquatic
species monitoring
Survey,
Monitoring
Proposed Numerous PD Tallapoosa State Wildlife Grants DNR, USFWS TNC, Kennesaw
State University,
GMNH, Auburn
High Priority Conservation Actions P-16
26
27
28
29
30
31
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
This would be a study to look at key demographics for nesting
MacGillivray's Seaside Sparrow in the Georgia saltmarsh.
Preliminary work is being done by a UGA graduate student using a
special Imperiled Species allocation. This work should be expand to
include additional sites and look at additional demographics that
affect the long-term productivity and survivorship of this saltmarsh
obligate bird.
VH This work would allow us to better understand the factors that limit
Seaside Sparrow reproduction along the coast and would be a key
piece of information aiding long-term efforts to mitigate the affects of
sea level rise on this species as well as other species that use the
saltmarsh for all or a portion of their life cycle.
Annual population estimates.
Nesting success and
productivity at several index
sites.
Breeding population numbers.
This project would examine historic and potential new sites for high
priority snail species, documenting information on species
presence, relative abundance and potential threats.
VH Survey needs for 16 globally imperiled (G1-G2) snails were identified
during the SWAP revision. Many of these species occupy unique
habitats and may not necessarily be conserved due to co-location with
other imperiled species.
Species presence, species
relative abundance, habitat
quality
Number of species with completed
surveys and status assessments
Expand number of BBS routes and maintain at roughly 85-90
implemented per year. Utilize network of citizen scientists to
provide data that will inform conservation efforts for birds.
M The BBS is the major source for information on population trends of bird
species. By increasing the number of routes to about 100, we could
reasonably expect to have 85-90 run each year. With this many routes
run each year the statistical power to detect significant changes in bird
populations would be increased to a level that would allow quicker and
more accurate detection of changes thereby speeding up subsequent
conservation actions.
3-minute point counts at 50
stops per route. Adding about
40 routes would give us 2000
more sampling points per
year with very little effort
invested.
Number of routes added and
maintained.
Some reptile species are very difficult to detect because they spend
much of their time under cover or below the ground. Specially
trained dection dogs have been useful for determining presence of
rare animals and plants.
M Detection dogs can be trained to smell the presence of species that are
difficult to find by standard techniques. Positive detections will inform
biologists of areas where to concentrate more standard survey efforts.
Positive and negative
detections; habitat at
detection sites
Presence of high priority species
documented
Continue Altamaha mussel occupancy surveys that were carried
out in mid 2000s, focusing on the Altamaha Spinymussel.
M The Altamaha Spinymussel has an extremely restricted range and is
Federally Endangered. In addition to monitoring, this study could also
find specimens needed for host-fish trials.
Proportion of sites occupied,
corrected for incomplete
species detection
Proportion of sites occuppied by
Altamaha Spinymussel and other
co-occurring mussel species.
Continue Tallapoosa aquatic community surveys that were carried
out in the 1990s and early 2000s by UGA and Auburn. Continuing
this decadal monitoring data set will help WRD track the status of a
large number of imperiled aquatic species
M Continuing this decadal monitoring data set will help us track the status
of a large number of imperiled aquatic species
Proportion of sites occupied
by each target species
Number of species with stable or
increasing proportion of sites
occupied
High Priority Conservation Actions P-17
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
32
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Implement the 2013 Georgia White
Nose Syndrome Response Plan.
Monitoring,
Research,
Management
Ongoing Bat species SA-RV, SP,
BR
Numerous State Wildlife Grants,
USFWS, USFS,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR, USFWS, USFS USFWS, USFS,
other federal
agencies, GFC,
other state agencies,
GA Museum of
Natural History, BCI,
Eco-Tech, Ecological
Solutions, SCWDS,
universities
33
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Monitor populations of gray bats and
southeastern bats in caves
Monitoring Ongoing Myotis grisescens, Myotis
austroriparius;
SA-RV, SP Numerous State Wildlife Grants,
Southern Wildlife
Consultants, UGA
DNR Southeastern Cave
Conservancy,
Joseph Jones
Ecological Research
Center, UGA,
Clemson, Southern
Wildlife Consultants
34
Assess Status of
High Priority
Species
Monitor reproductive activity at
known,recently extant ponds used by
pond-breeding amphibians
Survey,
Monitoring
Ongoing, Proposed Rana capito, Notophthalmus
perstriatus, Ambystoma
cingulatum, A. bishopi, A.
tigrinum
SP, SCP, SA-
RV
All Coastal
Plain
watersheds,
Tennessee,
Coosa
State Wildlife Grants,
Section 6
DNR DoD, Joseph Jones
Ecological Research
Center
35
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Conduct Aquatic Conservation
Planning Meetings for Coosa,
Tennessee, Atlantic Slope and Gulf
drainages
Conservation
Planning
Proposed Numerous All Numerous State Wildlife Grants DNR USFWS, TNC, River
Basin Center,
stakeholder groups
in each region
36
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Conduct aquatic species outreach in
high priority watersheds
Outreach,
Education
Proposed Numerous All Numerous State Wildlife Grants,
private foundations
DNR, USFWS, Georgia
River Network
Local governments
and watershed
groups
High Priority Conservation Actions P-18
32
33
34
35
36
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Conduct white nose syndrome monitoring and research. Annual
monitoring of caves with populations of bats currently affected or
likely to be affected by WNS. Count bats and coordinate with
researchers studying the disease and potential treatment options.
Other actions may include increase awareness, prevent spread of
disease, early detection, increase baseline information on bat
populations, management and regulatory actions, and
communication.
H WNS is causing significant declines in cave dwelling bats in N. GA.
The disease is continuing to spread south and may eventually move
into caves in S. GA. It is critical to document the spread, declines and
help with research to study and potentially treat this disease. The 2013
WNS Response Plan outlines a coordinated multi-agency response to
WNS in the state.
Numbers of and species of
bats at cave sites, samples
of fungus, documentation of
condition of survivors,
temperature and humidity
data, estimates of mortality
from WNS
Documentation of numbers of
surviving bats, successful
treatment of WNS, population
trends over time,
recommendations from the plan
relevant to the next 10 years
implemented
Annual summertime monitoring of known caves that serve as
regular summer roosts
H Small disturbances at cave sites could result in large changes in
populations of bats.
Numbers of bats of these two
species in each cave,
potential threats
Estimated population sizes and
trends of these bats
These species have been reduced to few sites within the state that
provide adequate habitat. All or a subset of the breeding sites for
each species will be annually sampled to assess persistence.
H Because the number of sites where these species persist are few, it is
important that they be monitored regularly to evaluate their status and
continued suitability and to identify any conservation actions that may
be needed to better ensure persistence
Number/presence of egg
masses, number/presence of
calling frogs,
number/presence of larvae or
aquatic adults
Number of sites sampled that
continue to harbor target species
Host regular aquatic conservation planning meetings for major
basins in the state, similar to the Coosa Summit. Workshops would
include presentations on major research and conservation projects
as well as a meeting to discuss future conservation priorities.
Meetings would be held at least once every 5 years in each basin.
The initial meeting could review results of SWAP and help identify
specific actions for high priority watersheds. Participants would
include agencies, watershed groups, and other stakeholders.
Smaller meetings with key partners could take place annually to
stay coordinated on active projects.
VH If you include all of the partners in the state, there is substantial
capacity for aquatic conservation. However, there is no framework for
deciding which group will take the lead on a particular issue. In addition
to increased coordination, these meetings will provide an opportunity to
share SWAP priorities and projects with a broader group of
stakeholders and gather input for future projects
None One major meeting every five
years in each basin.
Hold at least one aquatic species and habitat outreach event in the
top 10 high priority watersheds in the state before the next SWAP
revision. Events would target government officials, watershed
groups, and children. Present live animals to the public.
H Most people have no idea what is swimming in their backyard. If we can
get people excited about native aquatic species, then they are more
likely to become stewards of aquatic resources and support efforts to
protect rivers
Number of outreach events,
number of attendees
Level of understanding of native
species conservation needs in
local watersheds.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-19
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
37
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Conduct aquatic species stressor
study
Research Proposed Numerous All Numerous State Wildlife Grants USFWS or DNR USGS, UGA, River
Basin Center
38
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Conduct field inventory and
landowner outreach to conserve
coastal plain seepage bogs
Research,
Survey,
Management,
Habitat
Protection
Proposed Sarracenia spp., Balduina
atropurpurea, Hypericum
erythreae, Macranthera
flammea, Rhynchospora
solitaria, Sporobolus
teretifolius , others
SCP Numerous Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildlife
Grants, ESA Section-6,
other USFWS funds
DNR GPCA and its
member institutions
39
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Conserve key Swallow-tailed Kite
nesting habitat along the Satilla
River.
Habitat
Protection
Proposed Swallow-tailed Kite and suite
of bottomland forest species
that would benefit from
habitat conservation
SCP Satilla State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR Satilla RiverKeeper,
Plum Creek Timber,
Ivanhoe Hunt Club
40
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Construct artificial isolated wetlands
or improve existing ones by
increasing hydroperiod
Management Ongoing, Proposed Pond-breeding amphibians/
isolated wetlands
SP, SCP All Coastal
Plain
watersheds
State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR Private contractors,
private landowners
41
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Continue Conasauga River water
quality and contaminants study
Research Ongoing Numerous RV Conasauga USFWS, State Wildlife
Grants
USFWS UGA, USGS
High Priority Conservation Actions P-20
37
38
39
40
41
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Examine relationships between stressors identified by SWAP
aquatic habitat committee and conservation targets. For example,
could examine relationship between landuse variables and
occurrence probability of high priority species or groups of sensitive
species such as fluvial specialists. The purpose of this project
would be to identify key drivers of changes in aquatic diversity. It
may also help identify the best groups of indicator species for
monitoring of biotic integrity.
H Understanding the landscape scale factors that affect aquatic
communities is necessary for both preservation and restoration of
aquatic communities. For example, if a goal is to improve biotic
integrity of an impaired stream, this project could help identify which
aquatic stressor should be addressed.
Extensive fish community
data for this project has
already been collected by the
Georgia DNR Stream Survey
Team. USFWS-Athens has
already compiled data on
landscape scale stressors.
A complete report documenting
key stressors in different
ecoregions. An interactive tool
that can show how aquatic
communities will change as
stressors increase or decrease
within a watershed
Develop a protocol for inventory of coastal plain herbaceous
seepage bogs. Work in collaboration with biologists of other
taxonomic groups, especially herpetofauna, birds, and terrestrial
invertebrates to procure funding for an inventory of this high priority
habitat and associated landowners within the longleaf pine sandhill
ecosytem. Follow up with management of select high quality
examples found during the survey.
VH Coastal plain herbaceous seepage bogs are a high priority habitat for
conservation. High or even medium quality examples of these bogs are
few in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains of Georgia. Most are
privately owned. Systematic inventory of known sites, strategic survey
for new sites, and associated landowner contacts are essential
components of this project. Collaborative surveys to meet needs of
other taxonomic groups with priority species from the longleaf sandhill
ecosystem would increase survey efficiency, funding opportunities, and
learning among biologists. A standardized biological sampling protocol
would be developed in collaboration with other biologists.
Location, plant community
characteristics, species lists,
habitat condition, threats,
landowner contact, rare
species data for Biotics
Number of bogs surveyed, number
of landowners contacted
Work to conserve important stretches of the Satilla River based
upon known long term nesting clusters for Kites, as well as
important roosting areas through easements, WRP, purchase,
working forest easements.
H The Satilla River is one of the most important rivers in the state for
nesting STKI. Because of their social structures (semi-colonial) and
long term site fidelity, protecting known nesting areas is the most
important step in the conservation of STKI in Georgia
Currently have years of nest
location data on the river, as
well as 3 years of roost data
Maintenance of breeding clusters.
Stable to increasing state-wide
population.
Excavate short-hydroperiod depressional wetlands and/or install
flexible plastic liners to increase hydroperiod
M Prolonged drought has been implicated in local extirpations of several
high priority pond-breeding amphibians and declines in other pond-
breeders. Climate models suggested increased duration and frequency
of droughts. Increasing the hydroperiods of breeding wetlands, or
creating new ones with long hydroperiods, will help mitigate against the
loss of available natural breeding sites.
Hydroperiod of created and
improved wetlands; species
use and recruitment rates
Successful annual breeding and
increased recruitment
Continue assessment of water quality and contaminants in the
Conasauga River system. Identify major toxicological stressors and
the tributaries or mainstem reaches that provide the greatest
concentrations of stressors. Continue evaluation of ditches as a
source for nutrients and herbicides (e.g., Round-Up)
VH The upper Conasauga River supports more high priority aquatic species
than any other watershed in Georgia. Species are declining in reaches
impacted by agricultural activities, but precise mechanisms are
unknown. Identification of stressors will help identify the best
management practices to reduce water quality impacts associated with
agricultural activities.
Concentrations of
contaminants in water and
sediment at sites along the
length of the river, rates of
intersex condition, growth
and survival of species
exposed to contaminants
Report documenting key stressors
and suggested bmps
High Priority Conservation Actions P-21
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
42
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Continue cooperative management
for golden-winged warbler and other
species requiring mid- to high-
elevation early successional habitats
in the Blue Ridge
Management Ongoing, Proposed Vermivora chrysoptera BR Tennessee,
Savannah,
Conasauga,
Chattahooche
e
Nongame Wildlife
Fund, NCWC, USFS
USFS DNR, NCWC,
Cherokee National
Forest
43
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Continue oyster reef restoration and
enhancement
Research,
Management
Ongoing Eastern Oyster SCP All Coastal State and Federal
Funds, Private
donations
CRD EPA, NOAA, SFR,
CCA, SARP,
Oatland Island
Wildlife Center,
Americorps, UGA,
CCGA, Isaak Walton
League
44
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Continue Raccoon Creek Watershed
Project
Habitat
Protection
Ongoing Etowah Darter, Cherokee
Darter
PD Etowah Recovery Land
Acquisition Grants,
Local Governments,
Partners for Fish and
Wildlife
TNC USFWS, WRD
(NCS, GM), Paulding
County, Georgia
Power
45
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Control populations of feral hogs to
conserve high priority habitats and
species.
Management Ongoing Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Funds
DNR NPS, USFS,
USFWS, DoD,
Georgia Wildlife
Federation, private
landowners, hunting
public
High Priority Conservation Actions P-22
42
43
44
45
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Implement habitat management including burning regime to create
and maintain breeding habitat (open oak woodlands as well as
young forest stands interspersed with open, grassy patches) for
golden-winged warblers. Conduct surveys to determine
metapopulation status and response to management activities.
M The golden-winged warbler is quickly losing its breeding habitat in the
Southern Appalachians due to lack of a natural fire regime. Creation of
suitable habitat through prescribed fire and timber harvest is necessary
to conserve this unique metapopulation assemblage which occurs at
very localized sites in Georgia and North Carolina.
Data on fire intensity,
periodicity, and response of
vegetation to prescribed fire.
Response of golden-winged
warblers to habitat
manipulations through point
counts and surveys that
determine productivity and
fecundity.
Number of acres of suitable
breeding habitat restored and
maintained. Estimates of
population sizes for golden-winged
warbler and other habitat
associates.
Continue restoring and enhancing oyster reef communities along
the coast through targeted restoration efforts outside of shellfish
harvest areas, enhancements within shellfish harvest areas, and
living shoreline implementation to restore oyster communities as
well as salt marsh plant species.
VH Oysters are a keystone species in tidal systems on the Georgia coast.
It is believed that reefs have been negatively impacted over time for
various reasons. CRD's Habitat Workgroup is focused on oyster
restoration through various efforts such as living shorelines, restoration
in public harvest areas and restoration for fish habitat.
Areal extent of oyster reef,
areal extent and composition
of vegetation, fixed benthic
faunal composition, oyster
recruitment availability, water
quality metrics
Acreage of successful restoration
efforts.
Continue land acquisition, restoration, and conservation actions in
the Etowah River’s Raccoon Creek basin. Continue to monitor target species populations as needed.
H Raccoon Creek occurs within a high priority watershed in the current
SWAP (high global significance score) and contains important
populations of Etowah and Cherokee Darters. This project has been
very successful at watershed-level conservation in an urbanizing
landscape.
TNC has compiled
information on fish passage
problems, stream bank and
channel stability, and other
threats. We have been
monitoring populations of
Etowah and Cherokee Darter
since 2009.
Number of stream miles restored,
number of acres protected through
easement and acquisition,
persistence of target species
throughout system
Increase hunting pressure on public and private lands and
implement trapping and shooting programs in especially sensitive
sites (e.g., barrier island beaches).
H Feral hog depredation is a significant threat to sea turtle hatchling
production. In addition, feral hogs can significantly impact herbaceous
species composition in many natural communities and cause
substantial declines in rare plant populations.
Number of hogs removed,
effort data (hogs/trap night,
hogs/hunting hrs.), sex,
location of capture, age.
Herbaceous species
composition of selected
natural communities.
Number of hogs removed. Amount
of sea turtle nest depredation,
Amount of hog sign in sensitive
wildlife habitats. Herbaceous
species composition and rare
plant population size.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-23
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
46
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Develop a comprehensive action
plan to control invasive exotic
species on public and private lands.
Increase public awareness of
problems caused by invasive exotic
plants; reduce use of exotic species
and increase use of native plants in
erosion control and landscaping
Conservation
Planning,
Education,
Outreach
Proposed Numerous All All State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife
Fund, USGS, NPS,
NFWF, NRCS
DNR, GFC, UGA, USFS,
USFWS, NPS, NRCS
DoD, Georgia Exotic
Pest Plant Council,
TNC, APHIS,
USGS, GDA, GDOT,
Georgia WaterWise
Council, Georgia
Power, GSWCC,
NatureServe, local
volunteers
47
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Develop and implement water
conservation measures to reduce
need for new water supply reservoirs
Regulation,
Education
Ongoing Numerous All All State and Federal
Funds, Private
donations
USFWS EPA, EPD, WRD,
USACE, Georgia
Wildlife Federation,
private conservation
organizations
48
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Develop environmental flow
recommendations
Regulation,
Policy
Proposed Numerous All Numerous Unknown Unknown USGS, USFWS,
DNR, Georgia
Wildlife Federation,
SIFN, UGA
49
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Develop Little Tennessee River
System Watershed Plan
Conservation
Planning
Ongoing Greenfin Darter, Fatlips
Minnow, Eastern Hellbender,
Sicklefin Redhorse, Silver
Shiner
BR Tennessee 319 Grant Program,
administered by EPD
EPD, City of Dillard DNR, USFWS,
Rabun Gap
Nacoochee School,
Orianne Society,
Broadfork
Environmental, Land
Trust for the Little
Tennessee, private
landowners
High Priority Conservation Actions P-24
46
47
48
49
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Assess threats from invasive exotic species on public lands and
prioritize specific sites and habitats for control efforts. Conduct field
assessments on public lands. Coordinate control efforts with other
land managing agencies and adjacent landowners where feasible.
Work with partners to develop protocols for assessing,
documenting, and addressing invasive exotic species on
conservation lands. Provide training to public land managers and
seek funding for specific exotic species control efforts. Work with
local volunteer groups to implement control and monitoring
programs for exotic species on conservation lands. Develop
educational messages focusing on regional examples of problems
caused by invasive exotic species. Work with nurseries to reduce
trade in invasive exotic plants and develop recommendations for
use of native plants in erosion control and landscaping. Review and
update agency guidance on E&S control to remove references to
noxious exotic plants and emphasize use of native plants or
noninvasive exotics.
VH Invasive exotic species represent one of the most serious threats to
habitat quality and native species viability statewide. Control efforts for
these species are generally expensive and/or labor-intensive. This
problem must be addressed in a strategic manner to maximize local
benefits to native species and natural habitats and avoid costly delays
or excessive expenditures of limited resources. Emphasis should be
placed on control efforts that will benefit high priority species and
natural habitats (especially globally rare species and communities).
Sharing technical expertise between managing agencies is another
important objective of this effort. Establishing baseline data on existing
exotic species populations and assessing relative threats based on best
available data is the logical first step.
Exotic species occurrence
data; size and extent of
populations. Information on
life history characteristics,
control methods, etc.
Assessments of threat and
likelihood of control based on
experiences in other states or
locales. Impacts on natural
habitats and rare species
populations; control
measures and alternatives to
exotic species in
landscaping, wildlife habitat
enhancement, and erosion
control.
Reduction in overall range or
impacts of highest priority (most
noxious) exotic species. Improved
species composition of habitats on
public lands and reduced impacts
on native species populations.
Increased awareness of exotic
species control techniques by
conservation land managers.
Number of educational messages
(brochures, web site links, FAQ
sheets, etc.) provided to
educational facilities, land
managers, nurseries, and the
general public. Number of projects
utilizing native plant species for
erosion control and landscaping.
Protect aquatic connectivity by finding alternatives to new reservoir
construction, emphasizing water conservation measures and
protection of high quality free-flowing streams.
VH Reservoirs destroy lotic habitat and fragment populations of aquatic
species.
Water conservation
measures, purpose and need
evaluation, alternative sites,
and models of downstream
and cumulative impacts.
Per capita water consumption
rates; implementation of water
conservation measures; number
of new water supply reservoirs
Support development of environmental flow recommendations for
southwest Georgia and other regions throughout the state. Identify
the magnitude and timing of flows required to sustain ecosystems
and humans.
VH Stream flow has an overriding influence on water quality, aquatic
habitat, and the availability of water for human uses. Low stream flows
in southwest Georgia threaten the persistence of several globally
imperiled freshwater species.
Various hydrological indicator
variables
Maintenance of stream flows
through drought, other indicators
need to be developed
The city of Dillard has contracted with Jenny Sanders (Broadfork
LLC) to develop a 319 Watershed Plan for the Little Tennessee
River system in GA. The goal of the plan is to identify on-the-
ground conservation projects that will improve water quality for
people and aquatic species. USFWS and GADNR are serving on
the Technical Advisory Committee for the plan.
H The Little Tennessee Watershed provides habitat for a large number of
aquatic species in GA and NC. Intensive planning and conservation
efforts are ongoing in NC, but their success depends upon protection
and restoration of the headwaters, which are in Georgia. Completing the
plan will make the watershed eligible for additional 319 grant funding.
GIS layers of recent landuse,
conservation lands, etc.
Visual observations of
potential impacts to water
quality, such as cattle
access, ditching, and
reduced riparian buffers.
Number of on the ground
conservation projects identified,
Number of local stakeholders
actively participating in the project.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-25
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
50
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Develop stream geomorphology
database for Cherokee darters
Database,
Conservation
Planning
Proposed Cherokee Darter PD Etowah USFWS USFWS Stream
Geomorphologists,
Consulting Firms
51
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Experiment with sand fencing to
increase elevation on key offshore
bars
Research,
Management
Proposed Beach nesting birds that
utilize off-shore bars to nest.
Least Tern, Black Skimmer,
Gull-billed Tern, American
Oystercatcher and Wilsons
Plover
SCP Several State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR
52
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Implement Conasauga River habitat
conservation
Habitat
Protection
Ongoing Numerous RV, BR Conasauga Recovery Land
Acquistion Grants
USFWS DNR, NRCS, TNC,
Land Trusts
53
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Implement Lower Altamaha River
habitat and water quality study
Research Proposed Numerous SCP Numerous State Wildlife Grants DNR Academia, Altamaha
Riverkeeper
54
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Implement Shoal Creek Watershed
Project
Habitat
Protection
Ongoing Etowah Darter, Cherokee
Darter, Etowah Crayfish
PD Etowah USFWS USFWS TNC, DNR
55
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Implement Smithwick Creek
Watershed Project
Habitat
Protection
Ongoing Cherokee Darter PD Etowah USFWS USFWS TNC, DNR
56
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Implement strategic habitat
conservation in high priority
watersheds to maintain aquatic
diversity;
Conservation
Planning,
Habitat
Protection
Ongoing Numerous All Numerous Recovery Land
Acquisition Grants,
Local Governments
USFWS, DNR, TNC Local governments,
conservation
organizations, land
trusts, private
landowners
High Priority Conservation Actions P-26
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Develop a baseline database of stream geomorphic characteristics
in high quality Cherokee Darter streams. Use these data to revise
stream restoration methods commonly used in the Etowah basin.
Ensure that development of habitat for benthic shoal-dwelling fishes
is a primary restoration project component (where applicable).
H There are substantial opportunities and required mitigation throughout
the range of the Cherokee Darter. There is a need to ensure that
stream restoration projects are effective.
Low off-shore bars provide important nesting habitat for many
beach nesting birds die to the lack of mammalian predators. These
sites are often prone to flooding however. Short biodegradable
sand fencing may be effective at building the elevation enough
during the non-breeding season that nesting birds have less chance
of losing their nests to flooding.
H With sea level rise and the increased frequency of high tide events, off
shore bars are threatened with higher flooding rates, leading to greater
nest loss among some of our highest priority birds
Compare elevations of
similar off-shore bars with
and without fencing over
time. Evaluate use of these
bars by beach-nesting birds
Nest success on treatment sites
vs. control sites
Protect critical reaches of the Conasauga River system through
targeted acquisition and easements with willing landowners.
Provide targeted outreach and technical transfer to farmers to help
minimize agricultural impacts to river.
H The upper Conasauga River supports more high priority aquatic species
than any other watershed in Georgia. There are historic and emerging
threats (e.g., contaminants) associated with agriculture, but these can
be minimized through implementation of best managment practices
Area of land protected through
easements and acquisition, area
of land utilizing best practices to
minimize impacts to streams.
Evaluate fish and mussel habitat and water quality in the lower
Altamaha River.
M This reach of the river has historically supported important populations
of fishes and mussels. The discovery of juvenile Robust Redhorse in
the lower Savannah River raises prospects that the lower Altamaha
River could also be supporting this species. This reach has been well
surveyed for sport fishes.
Water quality, fish and
mussel density, and physical
habitat data
Report or publication
Continue land acquisition, restoration, and conservation actions in
the Etowah River’s Shoal Creek basin (Dawson County), upstream of the City of Atlanta’s Dawson Forest.
VH Shoal Creek occurs within a high priority watershed in the current
SWAP (Highest Global significance score). It contains important
populations Cherokee and Etowah Darters and Etowah Crayfish. It is a
direct tributary to a critical reach of the Etowah River where several high
priority species occur. It is threatened by urbanization
USFWS has been working in
this watershed for several
years. Not sure what data
already exists.
Number of stream miles restored,
persistence of target species
throughout system.
Continue land prioritization, acquisition, restoration, and
conservation actions in the Etowah River’s Smithwick Creek basin.H Smithwick Creek occurs within high priority watershed in the current
SWAP (High Global significance score). It contains an important
population of Cherokee Darters
USFWS has been working in
this watershed since 2009.
Not sure what data already
exists.
Number of stream miles restored,,
persistence of target species
throughout system.
Following model used in Raccoon Creek Basin, protect critical
parcels of land by acquiring land or conservation easements from
willing sellers in high priority watersheds
VH Targeted land acquistion, particularly in areas threatened by
development, can avoid impacts to aquatic systems that can be difficult
to reverse
GIS coverages of species
locations, existing landcover,
and conservation lands
Proportion of watershed protected;
number of local populations
conserved at viable levels
High Priority Conservation Actions P-27
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
57
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Protect high priority species and
habitats through the Statewide Water
Planning Process
Conservation
Planning
Proposed Numerous All Numerous State and Federal
Funds, Private
donations
DNR (EPD and WRD),
GSWCC, Local
governments, ARC,
Metropolitan North Georgia
Water Planning District,
industries, county
governments
River Basin Center,
USFWS, TNC,
numerous
stakeholders
58
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Resolve the current difficulty in
protecting newly created or emerging
beach nest bird habitat
Management,
Regulation
Ongoing, Proposed All beach nesting birds. Least
Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Black
Skimmer, Royal Tern,
Sandwich Tern, Brown
Pelican, American
Oystercatcher, Wilsons
Plover
SCP Numerous State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR LED, Nongame, other
coastal partners
St Catherines Island,
Little St Simons
Island, Little
Cumberland Island,
Cumberland Island
National Seashore
59
Conserve High
Priority Habitats
Restore mountain bogs; restore or
enhance populations of rare bog
plants; continue bog turtle headstart
and population establishment efforts;
monitor bog turtle populations
Management,
Research,
Education
Ongoing Mountain bogs; Glyptemys
muhlenbergii; Helonias
bullata , Sarracenia purpurea
ssp. venosa var. montana
BR Ocoee,
Hiwassee,
Tugaloo,
Upper Little
Tennessee
ESA Section 6,
Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildife
Grants
DNR USFWS, USFS,
Chattahoochee
Nature Center,
Tennesee Aquarium,
Atlanta Botanical
Garden, State
Botanical Garden of
Georgia, other
GPCA members,
Charles H. Wharton
Conservation Center,
volunteers
High Priority Conservation Actions P-28
57
58
59
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
A substantial effort was made to highlight rare aquatic species in
each of the water planning regions of the state, with rare species
information included in the state water plan. However, its not clear
how this information will be used. We need to find additional
opportunities for engagement and provide the councils with
information on high priority watersheds for aquatic conservation.
VH The development of water resources will have a large impact on high
priority species and habitats as Georgia continues to grow into the
future. The extent of the impact will depend on what practices are
implemented by the water planning councils (e.g., reservoirs,
withdrawals, conservation measures. Conservation goals for high
priority species and habitats should be taken into consideration in the
development of water resource plans.
Meetings and
correspondence with water
councils. Information and
datasets provided.
Number of councils that can be
briefed on SWAP goals to protect
high priority watersheds and
species.
While the Bird Island Rule protects several important nesting sites
for beach nesting birds, there are newly created sites (Brunswick
Dredge Island, Hupps Bar) that have become highly important to
beach nesting birds, but since they are not listed in the Bird Island
Rule, closures on these sites is difficult to enforce.
H These sites are highly vulnerable to a number of threats. Natural sites
tend to be very low, and prone to over wash. Since these sites are
isolated however, they are free of mammalian predators, which means
that productivity can be very high if human disturbance can be
controlled.
Colony monitoring, posting
and roping.
Increased productivity for beach
nesting birds.
Restore mountain bog communities, augment or establish rare bog
plant populations and continue restoration efforts for the bog turtle.
Objectives include the headstarting of bog turtles and the
restoration and maintenance of mountains by woody plant control
and removal. A long-term goal of releasing approximately 20
juveniles per year is realistic and within the range necessary to
successfully establish a population over a five to ten year period of
releases.
H Many of the characteristic species of mountain bogs have declined
significantly due to lack of active management. The bog turtle is
currently known from less than 10 sites in the state, only two of which
are on public land and capable of sustaining a long-term viable
population (with continued restoration and management). Few high-
quality mountain bogs remain in Georgia, and most of these are in
private ownership. Ensuring the continued survival of bog turtles and
other bog species in Georgia may depend on protection and
enhancement of the few remaining mountain bogs on public lands. If
opportunities emerge to enhance bogs on private lands, these
landowners will be offered regulatory relief and financial incentives.
Measures of vegetation
structure and composition;
population estimates for rare
bog species; genetic
samples of wild Georgia bog
turtles; radio telemetry data
on turtle movement, habitat
utilization, and microhabitat
preference at both recipient
and donor sites; size and
weight of turtles released and
recaptured at recepient sites.
Restoration of mountain bog
habitats including reduction of
woody cover, expansion of
Sphagnum, establishment /
augmentation of rare species, and
restoration of natural hydrology.
Number of turtles released and
maintained in restored habitat.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-29
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
60
Conserve High
Priority Species
Conserve estuarine bottlenose
dolphin stocks
Management,
Research,
Survey
Ongoing,
Proposed
Bottlenose dolphins;
estuarine and nearshore
marine waters
SCP All estuarine
and nearshore
marine waters
Nongame Wildlife
Fund, NMFS,
Additional Funding
Needed
NMFS, DNR NMFS, NOAA NOS,
UGA, Savannah
State University,
Georgia Sea Turtle
Center, etc.
61
Conserve High
Priority Species
Implement manatee recovery plan Management,
Research,
Survey
Ongoing Manatees, Estuaries, Tidal
Freshwater Rivers,
Nearshore Marine
SCP All tidal waters USFWS ESA Section
6, U.S. Navy
USFWS, DNR USFWS, DNR CRD
& LED, USGS,
Florida FWC, Navy,
Sea to Shore
Alliance, Georgia
Aquarium
62
Conserve High
Priority Species
Address problems with state law
(O.C.G.A. 27-1-28) permitting
unregulated and unrestricted
commercial take of eastern
diamondback rattlesnakes, and
develop appropriate regulations.
Regulation Proposed Crotalus adamanteus SP, SCP N/A N/A DNR PARC, Georgia
Wildlife Federation
High Priority Conservation Actions P-30
60
61
62
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Monitor estuarine dolphin stocks (estimate abundance, distribution,
stock boundaries and population vital rates; document causes of
mortality and serious injury by maintaining stranding network;
assess health of Brunswick stock with biopsy sampling and capture
health assessments); reduce and manage anthropogenic impacts
(persistent environmental contaminants; commercial and
recreational fisheries, dolphin feeding and harassment; implement
policies to reduce impacts); protect habitat (review federal and state
permits and proposals, assess impacts of emerging activities);
conduct targeted research (satellite telemetry); educate
stakeholders and user groups
M Brunswick stock is high monitoring priority due to high levels of
persistent environmental contaminants and potential ecosystem-level
effects; New funding, additional staff and/or cooperative partnerships
will be needed to implement Brunswick and coast-wide monitoring;
Maintaining the stranding network is critical for monitoring human
impacts to estuarine and coastal stocks; Maintaining the stranding
network will indirectly benefit other marine mammal species that strand
in Georgia
Photo-identification, effort-
corrected boat-based
surveys, genetics from live
and dead animals, stranding
and necropsy data,
entanglement and fishery
effort data, telemetry, blubber
contaminant concentrations
and health parameters of free-
swimming animals
Abundance of estuarine stocks
estimated to support NMFS
management; impacts of
contaminants on Brunswick
dolphins determined to support
stock restoration efforts and
ecosystem-level monitoring;
dolphin feeding and harassment
identified and reduced; human-
related mortality and injury at
historic and low levels; stranding
data collected and submitted to
NMFS databases; Stranding
network maintained with
cooperation from barrier island
managers and other cooperators
throughout coastal Georgia
Monitor manatee population (estimate abundance, distribution and
population vital rates; document causes of mortality and serious
injury); reduce and manage anthropogenic impacts (assess impacts
of watercraft, fishery entanglements and artificial warm water
outfalls, implement policies to reduce impacts); protect habitat
(review federal and state permits and proposals, assess impacts of
emerging activities); conduct targeted research (satellite telemetry);
educate stakeholders and user groups
M GPS telemetry data are needed to identify high use habitats and
movement corridors to manage watercraft impacts; The Atlantic
manatee subpopulations was increasing during the 2000s, but recent
mass mortalities and future uncertainties regarding warm water refugia
and climate change may reverse this trend; Georgia monitoring data are
of limited value on their own, they are most valuable when contributed
to existing USGS, USFWS and FL FWC databases
Varies according to task;
Photo-identification, effort-
corrected aerial surveys,
individual genotyping,
necropsies, entanglement
and fishery effort data, outfall
data, recreational and
commercial watercraft data,
satellite telemetry
Continued use of Georgia waters
during warm season; Identify high-
use areas and movement
cooridors; Human-related mortality
remains low and similar to historic
levels; Monitoring data submitted
to USFWC, FL FWC and USGS;
Recovery efforts coordinated with
governmental, non-governmental
and private groups
Existing state law does not require permitting, reporting, limits,
seasons, or anything useful to monitor impacts and regulate take of
this declining species. However, it does allow for promulgation of
regulations relating to take. The best long-term solution would be
to amend the state law to exclude this species. In the short term,
DNR should promulgate regulations requiring permits and harvest
records for rattlesnake roundups and prohibiting the take of
venomous snakes without a permit.
M Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are harvested for "sport", the skin
trade, the venom trade, and entertainment at rattlesnake roundups. In
order to assess the impact of this take and trade, and adjust regulations
accordingly, permitting and harvest reporting is necessary.
Number of rattlesnake take
permits issued and number
of rattlesnakes taken/sold.
Estimated population changes
over time.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-31
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
63
Conserve High
Priority Species
Address the lack of regulation
regarding the use of set-lines ("bush-
hooks") and the indiscriminant
shooting of basking freshwater turtles
in waters of the state
Regulation Proposed All freshwater turtles, other
wildlife
All All N/A DNR PARC
64
Conserve High
Priority Species
Apply the North American Model for
Wildlife Conservation to
herpetofauna
Regulation,
Policy
Proposed All reptiles and amphibians All All N/A DNR PARC
65
Conserve High
Priority Species
Assess the need and feasibility of
extending disease testing of
vulnerable species to taxa other than
amphibians and reptiles.
Research,
Monitoring
Proposed Numerous All All TBD DNR SCWDS, UGA,
APHIS, CDC,
SEAFWA, GWF
66
Conserve High
Priority Species
Assist USFWS with development
and implementation of Candidate
Conservation Agreements (CCA)
CCAs with Assurances (CCAA), and
other conservation strategies under
the Southeast At-Risk Species
Program.
Research,
Survey,
Regulation,
Habitat
Protection
Ongoing Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildlife
Grants, ESA Section-6,
other USFWS funds
DNR, USFWS, GPCA, other
conservation organizations
and agencies
Private and public
landowners
67
Conserve High
Priority Species
Conduct Elliptio taxonomic studies Research Proposed Numerous All Numerous Multi-State State
Wildlife Grants
DNR (for GA component of
project)
Agencies, Museums
68
Conserve High
Priority Species
Conduct Gulf Slope mussel
physiology study
Research Proposed Numerous SP Numerous State Wildlife Grants DNR Academia
69
Conserve High
Priority Species
Conduct Halloween Darter status
assessment
Research Proposed Halloween Darter PD, SP Upper Flint,
Lower Flint,
Middle
Chattahooche
e, Upper
Chattahooche
e
State Wildlife Grants,
other USFWS or USGS
funds
DNR or USFWS UGA, GMNH
High Priority Conservation Actions P-32
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Existing state laws or rules do not address the attendance,
placement, labelling, and immediate removal following fishing
efforts of set-lines. Existing state law also does not prohibit the
shooting of non-listed freshwater turtles. However, it does allow for
promulgation of regulations relating to take.
M Unattended set-lines incidentially capture or snag, and often kill,
untargeted turtle species, including several state-listed species. Those
that shoot basking turtles in waters of the state do so indiscriminately.
State-listed map turtles, especially, are unfortunate victims of this
practice, which has been identified as a threat to map turtles
Information on take of turtles
by set-lines and shooting.
Reduction in take of protected and
other turtles by set-lines and
indiscriminant shooting.
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is a set of
principles that has guided wildlife management and conservation
decisions in the United States. The North American Model of
Wildlife Conservation rests on two basic principles – fish and wildlife are for the non-commercial use of citizens, and should be
managed such that they are available at optimum population levels
forever.
M This model has guided conservation of game species for decades, but
in 2014 AFWA formally approved the application of this model to all
amphibians and reptiles to ensure their sustainable use.
N/A Regulatory changes that will
eliminate commercial use of
herpetofauna and guide their
management with the goal of
maintaining optimum population
levels.
Determine whether potentially or known-to-be vulnerable high
priority species of taxa should be sampled for emerging infectious
diseases mostly as a component of on-going population surveys
and monitoring efforts.
M Emerging wildlife diseases may require additional testing of species
that may be vulnerable. Priority will be given to species that are
currently imperiled and for which disease susceptibility has been
reported.
Reports of new disease
outbreaks in other states;
literature on susceptibility of
rare or imperiled taxa to
diseases.
Determination made about the
need and feasibility of extending
testing to additional high priority
taxa.
Assist the USFWS with data collection, coalition/concensus-
building among potential CCA signatories , development of
management and monitoring protocols for the CCA , and drafting of
the CCA.
H The USFWs will be exploring the use of CCAs and CCAAs as a
conservation action, in-lieu of listing under the ESA, with regard to the
species being evaluated as part of the At-Risk Species Program. The
USFWS must rely heavily on the expertise of DNR staff and the wealth
of information in the Biotics database to accomplish this task. DNR will
assist as resources allow. Additional funding provided by the USFWS
would allow for greater DNR involvement.
Collect and /or update Biotics
database information on new
and existing rare plant EOs,
populations, sites. Gather
locational and status info
from other sources (experts
and herbariums).
Successful development and
execution of CCA/CCAAs.
Complete taxonomic revision of the mussel genus Elliptio.
Management of this group is difficult given current taxonomic
uncertainties.
M Management of this group is difficult given current taxonomic
uncertainties. Some species may actually be more widespread than
currently recognized while others may be more imperiled
Standard genetic and
morphological characters to
diagnose species, synonyms
Publication documenting results
Evaluate temperature, dissolved oxygen, and desiccation tolerance
of high priority mussels (and host fish) from the ACF – Ochlockonee Basin.
M Understanding the physiological limits of species is necessary when
identifying appropriate stream flows for survival and recruitment
Measures of survival and
growth for each parameter in
controlled lab studies
Report or publication detailing
findings on survival and growth
parameters
Assess Halloween Darter population and genetic status in all four
population areas (Lower Flint, Upper Flint, Middle Chattahoochee,
Upper Chattahoochee)
M The Halloween Darter is petitioned for listing, but only limited data is
available to assess the status of each population. Genetic data is
needed to assess genetic health of each population and to eliminate
confusion with cryptic congeners. Mary Freeman has drafted a proposal
for this study
Number of sites with recent
occurrences of species,
comparison of recent vs.
historic distribution where
data is available
Completed Status Assessment
Report
High Priority Conservation Actions P-33
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
70
Conserve High
Priority Species
Conduct museum mussel
identification project
Research Proposed Numerous All Numerous State Wildlife Grants DNR (for GA component of
project)
Other state wildlife
agencies, natural
history museums,
natural heritage
programs
71
Conserve High
Priority Species
Conduct outreach to decision makers
and the public about the impact,
transmission, and prevention of
diseases. Propose regulations to
address wildlife diseases as needed.
Education,
Outreach
Ongoing Numerous All All TBD DNR, SCWDS GWF, APHIS, CDC,
sportsmen's groups,
legislators
72
Conserve High
Priority Species
Continue Georgia marine mammal
stranding network
Management Ongoing Cetaceans/estuarine and
marine habitats
SCP All coastal
estuarine and
nearshore
marine waters
Nongame Wildlife
Fund, NOAA Prescott
Grant
DNR NOAA Fisheries,
UGA, USFWS,
Tybee Is. Marine
Science Ctr.,
Cumberland Is.
Museum, NPS,
Skidaway, et al.
73
Conserve High
Priority Species
Continue sea turtle stranding and
salvage network.
Survey Ongoing, Proposed Caretta caretta, Chelonia
mydas, Dermochelys
coriacea, Lepidochelys
kempii, Lepidochelys
olivacea, Eretmochelys
imbricata
SCP All Coastal
Plain estuaries
and offshore
waters
ESA Section 6,
Nongame Wildlife
Fund; Jekyll Island
Authority, Caretta
Research project,
USFWS, Sea Island
Co, the Lodge at Little
St. Simons Island,
Little Cumberland
Homeowners Assoc.,
Cumberland Island
National Seashore
DNR USFWS, NMFS,
NPS, UGA, Caretta
Research Project,
St. Catherines
Foundation, Sea
Island Co., Jekyll
Island Authority, L.
Cumberland Island
Homeowners
Assoc., The Lodge
at Little St. Simons
Island, Tybee Marine
Science Center
74
Conserve High
Priority Species
Continue Waterbird Conservation
Initiative
Research,
Management
Ongoing 67 species of waterbirds SP,SCP Coastal Plain Nongame Wildlife Fund DNR Federal and Private
land owners, NGO's
High Priority Conservation Actions P-34
70
71
72
73
74
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Inventory and validation of museum records for high priority mussel
species. This would involve visiting museums with significant
mussel collections and may be coordinated with other southeastern
states. A grant proposal for this study has already been developed
M Records of high priority mussel species may have been entered into
distributional databases without proper verification. In addition, unsorted
material in some collections could contain new distributional records.
Characteristics of specimens
used to confirm
identifications, locality data
Number of confirmed records of
high priority mussel species
Continue to conduct outreach to the public and decision makers
about activities that contribute to disease transmission. Monitor
commercial animal trade and translocation of wildlife to determine
potential impacts. Propose regulations as appropriate to reduce
risks of importation or transmission of wildlife diseases.
M Commercial pet trade, transport of native wildlife, and the deliberate or
accidentaly introduction of invasive species may contribute to outbreaks
of diseases that can result in significant mortality. Outreach is needed
to minimize human activities that will cause or exacerbate disease
outbreaks.
Information on messages
developed and distributed
and number of organizations
and individuals contacted.
Number of decision-makers,
organizations, and people
contacted
Coordinate response to live and dead stranded marine mammals;
collect data on stranded marine mammals, document
human/cetacean interactions; assess cause of death if possible
M DNR is only organization in Georgia with a Letter of Authorization from
NOAA to perform task; level of priority may decrease over time if other
organizations increase involvement
Species, life history, physical
measurements,
histopathology, virology,
serology, parasitology,
human interaction, etc.
Long-term data collection
mandated by Marine Mammal
Protection Act; data reported to
NOAA within 30 days of each
stranding event.
Conduct standardized surveys for sick, injured or moribund sea
turtles. Conduct gross necropsies to determine cause of death.
H Shrimp trawling is the largest known source of mortality in Georgia.
The Georgia coast has consistently recorded some of the highest
stranding densities in the U.S. Stranding totals have increased over
the last 16 years. Strandings are the primary index of nearshore
moratlity for sea turtles. Stranding totals will be used to assess the
effects of human activities (commercial and recreational fishing,
environmental contamination, recreational boating) on sea turtle
populations and react quickly to minimize sources of mortality.
Spatial and temporal
distribution of strandings,
species composition, size
frequency, sex ratios, cause
of death, human interactions.
Stranding trend data will be used
in management decisions.
Identify population trends, stresses, nesting areas, staging sites,
and wintering habitat. Work within North American Waterbird
Conservation Plan and U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan
recommendations to promote recovery and maintain waterbird
populations.
H Worldwide declines in waterbirds have prompted international and
national efforts to stem population losses and maintain regional
population stability.
Population bottlenecks
identified. Georgia's role in
long-term mainentance and
recovery of waterbirds
recognized. Individual
studies encouraged and
supported.
Partnerships with academic
institutions, NGO's, other state
agencies, federal agencies and
programs, are established.
Population goals met.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-35
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
75
Conserve High
Priority Species
Determine the demographic patterns
and habitat use of juvenile sea turtles
in coastal waters.
Research Ongoing, Proposed Caretta caretta, Chelonia
mydas, Dermochelys
coriacea, Lepidochelys
kempii, Lepidochelys
olivacea, Eretmochelys
imbricata
SCP All Coastal
Plain estuaries
and offshore
waters
ESA Section 6 DNR UGA
76
Conserve High
Priority Species
Develop aquatic species field guides Outreach,
Education
Proposed Numerous All Numerous Private donors? DNR, GMNH
77
Conserve High
Priority Species
Develop guidelines for captive
propagation, reintroduction, and
translocation of rare aquatic species
Research,
Policy
Proposed Blue Shiner, Sicklefin
Redhorse, possibly others
All Numerous State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR, USFWS Conservation
Fisheries,
Tennessee
Aquarium
78
Conserve High
Priority Species
Develop Sicklefin Redhorse
Conservation Agreement
Conservation
Planning
Ongoing Sicklefin Redhorse BR Tennessee State Wildlife Grants DNR (for GA component of
project)
USFWS-
Asheville/Atlanta,
Cheorkee Tribe,
Young Harris
College, NCWRC
79
Conserve High
Priority Species
Enforce and monitor trawl fisheries
for impacts to sea turtles
Regulation Ongoing, Proposed Caretta caretta, Chelonia
mydas, Dermochelys
coriacea, Lepidochelys
kempii, Lepidochelys
olivacea, Eretmochelys
imbricata
SCP All Coastal
Plain estuaries
and offshore
waters
Section 6 DNR NMFS
80
Conserve High
Priority Species
Identify Altamaha Spinymussel host Research Proposed Altamaha Spinymussel SP, SCP Numerous State Wildlife Grants DNR UGA
High Priority Conservation Actions P-36
75
76
77
78
79
80
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Develop an in-water index of abundance to assess spatial and
temporal patterns of sea turtle abundance. Assess adult survival
using a mark-recapture model.
H Understanding patterns in seasonal abundance of juvenile sea turtles is
critical for assessing the impacts of coastal offshore development
projects and other activities such as vessel interactions.
Number and location of
turtles recaptured. Survival of
adult turtles
Monitoring juvenile abundance
and survival is critical for
assessing population status and
modeling exercises.
Support development of field guides and comprehensive books to
document the state’s aquatic fauna, such as fishes and mussels. Guides would include photographs, keys, range maps, and species
accounts and would be published in collaboration with websites
such as Fishes of Georgia, Crayfishes of Georgia, and Rare
Species Profile pages.
H Comprehensive distributional guides have been published for fishes and
mussels in all surrounding states, but are not available for Georgia. This
information is needed for accurate identification and as reference for
biological information. These books would be of interest to students,
anglers, consultants, professors, and natural history enthusiasts.
Information compiled and
formatted for production of
guides; completion dates,
publication dates, sales
Number of guides produced and
purchased
Following the steps outlined by George et al (2009), guidelines will
require development of a written plan that considers habitat,
genetics, source populations, conservation benefit and other
factors.
H There are some habitats that could support reintroduction of aquatic
species into portions of their native range in Georgia and would help
reduce the overall risk of extinction/extirpation of the species. Examples
are Sicklefin Redhorse in the Nottely River and Blue Shiner into the
upper Coosawattee/Talking Rock Creek
Genetic diversity and
abundance of source
populations, MaxEnt model
of suitable habitat, monitoring
of survival and recruitment of
new population
Number of self-sustaining
populations restored
Support development and actively participate in a multi-partner
effort to conserve the Sicklefin Redhorse. The U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service has already drafted a memorandum of agreement
for this project.
H Georgia provides important spawning habitat for the Hiwassee
population of Sicklefin Redhorse, which we have been monitoring since
2005. The species could potentially be reintroduced into the Nottley
River system and the Little Tennessee River system. The rest of this
project will take place in NC
DNR has funded Young
Harris College to monitor this
population in 2013-2014 will
support additional monitoring
in the future.
Linear extent of spawning habitat
used each year, effective
population size, survival and
recruitment in any populations that
are reintroduced
Shrimpers are required to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in all
trawl nets to reduce incidental capture and drowning of sea turtles.
In addition, a limited-entry system for the shrimp trawl fishery
should be developed. other trawl fisheries (whelk, jellyfish) should
be monitored for sea turtle mortality and conservation measures
should be put in place if mortality is observed.
H The shrimp trawl fishery is the primary source of mortality for sea turtles
in Georgia. Poor TED compliance rates have hampered sea turtle
recovery efforts in Georgia. Assuring high compliance with TED
regulations is necessary for population recovery. The impact of other
trawl fisheries may also be significant and thus needs monitoring.
TED use compliance;
number of turtles captured
and killed in trawls
Reduction in the number of
drowned sea turtles
Re-attempt host fish research for Altamaha Spinymussel. This work
could be completed in conjunction with the proposed Altamaha
Mussel monitoring study
M Identification of the host fish will help us understand why the Altamaha
Spinymussel has declined. This information could also be used for
propagation
Glochidia transformation
rates on potential host fishes
List of suitable host fishes
High Priority Conservation Actions P-37
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
81
Conserve High
Priority Species
Implement diadromous fish
restoration projects
Research,
Survey
Ongoing Shortnose sturgeon, Atlantic
sturgeon, American shad,
Alabama shad, hickory shad,
blueback herring, American
eel, striped bass
PD, SP, SCP All but
Tennessee
and Coosa
State Wildlife Grants,
FM Section, others
DNR USFWS, NOAA-
Fisheries, ASMFC,
GCMFC, SC DNR,
AL DNR, FL FWCC,
82
Conserve High
Priority Species
Implement red-cockaded
woodpecker conservation on private
lands
Management Ongoing Picoides borealis PD, SCP, SP Nongame Wildlife
Fund, USFWS, Tall
Timbers Research
Station, Turner
Endangered Species
Fund, Georgia Power,
Joseph W. Jones
Ecological Research
Center
DNR USFWS, TTRS,
Joseph W. Jones
Ecological Research
Center
High Priority Conservation Actions P-38
81
82
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Evaluate existing population status, commerical and recreational
fisheries, and habitat limitations. Look for opportunities to enhance
habitat through suite of alternatives.
H Current diadromous fish populations are greatly reduced compared to
historic levels.
American shad harvest
statistics, American eel
population measures, striped
bass population estimates,
Alabama shad population
estimates, Atlantic and
shortnose sturgeon
population estimates and
telemetry studies
Population stability as measured
by reproduction/recruitment.
Restoration of species to historic
ranges.
Implementation of statewide HCP including safe harbor
management agreements and mitigated take from small, isolated
populations. Also, administration of landowner incentive program
for safe harbor participants, participation in consortium for
conservation of RCW in Red Hills region; establishing mitigation
populations at Ichauway and Moody Forest; providing management
assistance to landowners and managers.
H Recovery plan for this species includes efforts on private lands.
However, very few private tracts still suitable. Red Hills population is
largest private land population in world and exists in best remaining
habitat. Conservation of this RCW population and its habitat will benefit
many other species as well.
Nestling RCWs are banded
each spring. Some birds are
translocated in the fall to help
establish potential nesting
pairs within this population
and within other populations.
Other data include number of
groups and amount of habitat
enrolled in safe harbor
agreements, incentive
funding utilized, acres
impacted by incentive
payment contracts.
Number of nests monitored,
number of nestlings banded,
number of nestlings translocated,
number of recruitment clusters
installed, number of groups in
population, number of recruitment
sites occupied, number of acres
burned under contract.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-39
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
83
Conserve High
Priority Species
Implement right whale recovery plan
in the Southeast U.S.
Management,
Research,
Survey
Ongoing, Proposed Right Whales, marine
habitats
SCP Atlantic Ocean
waters
NMFS ESA Section 6 NMFS, DNR NMFS, DNR CRD &
LED, Florida FWC,
Sea to Shore
Alliance, New
England Aquarium,
Center for Coastal
Studies, Southeast
Implementation
Team and North
Atlantic Right Whale
Consortium
members
84
Conserve High
Priority Species
Improve citizen and volunteer
involvement in monitoring projects
Monitoring,
Outreach
Ongoing and
Proposed
All All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildlife
Grants, other USFWS
funds
DNR Georgia Wildlife
Federation,
Numerous
volunteers and
citizen science
groups
85
Conserve High
Priority Species
Incorporate Henslow's Sparrow
habitat management into
management plans on all WMAs that
have confirmed wintering sites
Management Proposed Henslow's Sparrow. Habitats
often used by other high
priority species, so
management activity (e.g.
prescribed fire) will likely
benefit many other species of
concern
SP, SCP All SP and
SCP
drainages
State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR The Nature
Conservancy, Plum
Creek Timber
Company, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service
High Priority Conservation Actions P-40
83
84
85
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Monitor right whale population (estimate abundance, distribution
and population vital rates; document causes of mortality and
serious injury); reduce and manage anthropogenic impacts (assess
impacts of watercraft and fishery entanglements, implement
policies to reduce impacts); protect habitat (review federal and state
permits and proposals, assess impacts of emerging activities such
as energy development); conduct targeted research (satellite
telemetry, passive acoustic detection, photogrammetry, assess
ambient and anthropogenic noise and impacts); educate
stakeholders and user groups
VH This conservation action includes a variety ongoing and proposed
recovery activities in accordance with the right whale recovery plan;
Ship strike reduction efforts appear to be working; Future activities
should focus on reducing entanglements and protecting wintering
habitat; Most Georgia monitoring data are of limited value on their own,
they are most valuable when contributed to existing cooperative
databases using data from Canada, Northeast U.S., mid-Atlantic and
other Southeast U.S. states
Photo-identification, effort-
corrected aerial and boat-
based surveys, individual
genotyping, necropsies,
entanglement fishing gear
analysis, fishery effort data,
recreational and commercial
watercraft data, telemetry,
acoustic recordings (whale
vocalizations, ambient ocean
noise, anthropogenic noise),
whale behavior data,
photogrammetric images
Population trends; use of
Southeast habitat for calving and
overwintering; mortality, low injury
and entanglement rates in
Southeast U.S.; questions about
right whale movement, distribution
and migration addressed; Assess
cumulative impacts of ocean
noise, watercraft and other
anthropogenic impacts on whales
and Southeast wintering habitat;
Habitat remains protected from
existing and emerging threats;
Monitoring data submitted to
NMFS and North Atlantic Right
Whale Consortium partners;
Recovery efforts coordinated with
governmental, non-governmental
and private groups via the North
Atlantic Right Whale Consortium
and Southeast Implementation
Team for Right Whale Recovery;
Technology should be used to increase efficiency of engaging and
training citizens and volunteers to assist with monitoring projects.
This includes using online tools, social media, and smart-devices to
aid training, share protocols, and collect data. Monitoring needs
should be shared with Master Naturalist programs and K-12
teachers. A reward program should be initiated for participants'
monitoring efforts.
H DNR has helped organize or has been a key partner in many citizen-
science or volunteer-based monitoring projects in the past ten years. In
particular, successful programs have involved monitoring of bats, frogs,
birds, and invasive species. These projects have been useful in tracking
species populations and have allowed for public involvement in DNR
conservation projects.
Monitoring data collected by
citizen scientists and
volunteers
Increase in volunteer-based
monitoring programs and
participants, successful use of
online tools and other technology
for monitoring, successful
implementation of a monitoring
rewards program
Work with partners to include habitat management for Henslow's
Sparrows in 50-year and annual management plans for WMAs
where they are known to occur (Paulk's Pasture, Moody Forest,
Townsend WMAs) or likely to occur. This could be extended to
national wildlife refuges, other agency lands, and private lands.
Much of the management could be conducted on power line right-of-
ways and similar areas.
H Habitat management for this species is relatively straight forward and
mostly includes prescribed fire at the appropriate time and occasionally
other management tools. Often grassy power line corridors can provide
suitable habitat with appropriate management. Damp flatwoods and
pitcher plant bogs also can provide habitat.
Number of WMAs and other
conservation lands with
prescribed burning and other
land management activities
that benefit Henslow's
Sparrows.
Percentage of suitable WMAs and
other conservation lands with
Henslow's management
incorporated into long-term land
management plans.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-41
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
86
Conserve High
Priority Species
Incorporate Swallow-tailed Kite
management into management plans
on all WMA's that have confirmed or
probable nesting STKI
Management Proposed Swallow-tailed Kite and suite
of bottomland forest species
that would benefit from
habitat conservation
CP Numerous State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
Nongame, Game
management, Forest
Resources
ARCI, Swallow-tailed
Kite working group
87
Conserve High
Priority Species
Maintain Robust Redhorse
Conservation Committee
Conservation
Planning,
Management
Ongoing Robust Redhorse PD, SP Numerous State Wildlife Grants DNR All RRCC members
88
Conserve High
Priority Species
Manage coyote populations on
barrier islands to reduce impacts to
beach nesting birds
Management Ongoing, Proposed All beach nesting birds that
nest along beach fronts on
Georgia islands. Least Tern,
Gull-billed Tern, Black
Skimmer, American
Oystercatcher, Wilsons
Plover
SCP Numerous State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
Cumberland Island, Little St.
Simons Island, DNR,
USFWS
Cumberland Island,
Little St. Simons
Island, DNR,
USFWS
89
Conserve High
Priority Species
Propose a list of species to
supplement the list of wild animals
set forth in Georgia Code for which a
permit or license, or both, is required.
Regulation Proposed Numerous All All State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR GWF, GFC, UGA
90
Conserve High
Priority Species
Reduce impact of crab-pot fisheries
and vehicle-induced mortality on
diamondback terrapins; develop a
statewide index of abundance for
terrapins
Research,
Management,
Education
Ongoing, Proposed Malaclemys terrapin SCP All Coastal
Plain estuaries
and offshore
waters
State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife
Fund, TERN, Project-
Specific GDOT Funds
DNR Diamondback
Terrapin Working
Group, GDOT,
county road
departments,
crabbers,
landowners, UGA
High Priority Conservation Actions P-42
86
87
88
89
90
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Known nesting areas on state lands need to be protected from
timber harvest and fire. Buffers need to be set up around these
sites. Silvicultural prescriptions can be generated to leave some
trees along hard wood edges to produce future nesting habitat for
STKI. (details through Plum Creek). artificial nest platforms may be
useful in some cases.
H A tremendous amount of work has been conducted on the Altamaha
river to conserve land. We know need to insure that these protected
lands are managed in a way to protect one of our highest priority bird
species
Years of nest site location
data. 3 years of roost data,
Longevity of STKI nesting clusters
on state lands.
Continue participation in the RRCC. Nongame Conservation has
agreed to provide a representative to the RRCC. Our role includes
monitoring GA populations, managing contracted studies, and
workign with stakeholders to conserve the species.
H While much has been accomplished through the RRCC, the Robust
Redhorse still has significant conservation needs. Successful
recruitment of stocked populations has not yet been documented. The
Oconee population has declined considerably. Only the Savannah
population is considered currently stable.
Visual observations at
spawning sites, genetic data
to document recruitment,
surveys for juveniles in lower
reaches of river/reservoir
habitats
Number of self-sustaining
populations
Once coyotes discover beach nesting birds they rapidly and
significantly reduce nest productivity. Coyote predation on
Cumberland Island National Seashore has transformed this site
from one of the highest productivity American Oystercatcher
beaches to a site that rarely produces a single chick. Coyotes
have also decimated beach nesting birds on Little Cumberland
Island, and are now significantly reducing productivity on Little St
Simons Island. Recently they have been sighted on Blackbeard
Island.
VH Coyotes on Cumberland and Little St Simons Island are likely the
highest threat to nesting American Oystercatcher on the coast.
Nest loss and nest
productivity data for
Oystercatcher, Least Tern
and Wilson's Plover.
Reduction in predation and
increased nest productivity for
beach nesting birds
The list could include non-native invasive species used in the pet
trade and likely to impact Georgia native species or natural
habitats. Suggest recommendations for specific restrictions or
guidelines for issuing permits.
M Some nonnative invasive species, such as the Cuban treefrog, are in
the pet trade and can be legally sold in Georgia. DNR can promulgate
rules to add species to the list of wild animals for which permits or
licenses, or both, are required.
Information on nonnative
species currently sold online
that represent threats to
native species or natural
habitats in Georgia.
Supplemental list developed and
submitted for approval by DNR
Board.
Drowning in crab traps is perhaps the single greatest threat to
diamondback terrapins. Develop and implement a terrapin
conservation plan for commercial and recreational crab pot
fisheries. The terrapin conservation plan should include the use of
Terrapin Excluder Devices (TEDs), pot soak time requirements,
closure areas, removal of abandoned pots, and monitoring of
effectiveness of conservation efforts. The shoulders of causeways
and roads through and adjacent to coastal marshes are attractive
nesting sites for diamondback terrapins. Develop management
guidelines to reduce mortality of terrapins on coastal roadways
including techniques for installing seasonal barrier fences (< 10”).
M Commercial crab fishermen capture and drown large numbers of
diamondback terrapins. In some areas, terrapin populations have
declined precipitously due to crabbing activity. Requiring use of
appropriate BRDS and excluders is necessary to reduce incidental take
of terrapins. It is also necessary to determine if such devices should be
required on both commercial and recreational traps. Vehicle-induced
mortality of nesting female and hatchling diamondback terrapins is a
seasonal problem in several areas along the coast. Population
sustainability depends on high female survivorship and successful
recruitment.
Number of terrapins lost to
crab pots or on roadways
over time; Index of
abundance should be
designed to assess trends
over time (e.g. occupancy
model using terrapin head
counts from randomly
selected tidal creeks).
Reduction in the number of
roadkilled terrapins. Reduction in
terrapin capture rates in pots
without influencing the blue crab
size or abundance. Established
protocol for assessing terrapin
abundance
High Priority Conservation Actions P-43
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
91
Conserve High
Priority Species
Review recovery plans for all
federally listed species known to
occur in Georgia and identify state-
specific objectives
Research,
Management
Ongoing All federally listed species in
Georgia
All All USFWS Section 6,
NMFS, Nongame
Wildlife Fund
USFWS, NMFS, DNR NWF, others
92
Conserve High
Priority Species
Update and complete the Fishes of
Georgia website.
Outreach,
Education
Proposed Numerous All Numerous State Wildlife Grants GMNH, WRD Other Museums and
Data Contributors
93
Conserve High
Priority Species
Complete taxonomic descriptions of
high priority fish species
Research Proposed Coosa Madtom, Sicklefin
Redhorse, Holiday Darters,
Coosa Chub
All Numerous Unknown Academia GMNH, FLMNH,
Roanoke College
94
Conserve High
Priority Species
Conduct surveys of southwest
Georgia isolated wetlands
Survey Proposed Dichanthelium hirstii, Lindera
melissifolia, Croton elliottii,
Fimbristylis perpusilla,
Lythrum curtissii, Scirpus
hallii, others
SP Ochlockonee,
Kinchafonee/M
uckalee Flint
Middle,
Flint Lower,
Ichawaynocha
way, Spring,
Chattahooche
e Upper South
Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildlife
Grants, ESA Section 6,
other USFWS funds
DNR Various academic
institutions, private
contractors and
botanical specialists,
GPCA and its
member institutions
95
Conserve High
Priority Species
Coordinate terrestrial invertebrate
surveys and conservation efforts in
Georgia
Research,
Survey,
Monitoring
Proposed Terrestrial invertebrates in
various high priority habitats
All All State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife
Fund, USFWS, private
foundations,
DNR Academia
(nationwide
specialists),TNC,
NatureServe,
USFWS, other state
wildlife agencies.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-44
91
92
93
94
95
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Review and assess adequacy of recovery plans for all federally
listed species
M Recovery plans for some listed species (e.g., loggerhead turtle) are
known to be out of date. Recovery objectives and methods should be
reassessed in the light of recent of research and conservation efforts.
Extensive literature review
and individual research
findings.
Number of recovery plans
reviewed.
Some maps need to be completed for taxonomically problematic
species. There is also a need to update maps with new distribution
records since the website was completed in 2007. Finally,
development of a web application could generate conservation
funding and broaden use of the application
H This website has remained about 90% done since 2007. Maps for
taxonomically problematic species have never been developed.
Additional resources (funding and staff time) are needed to complete
this effort.
Information needed for
completion of species maps;
number of maps completed
Number of distribution maps
updated, number of new
distribution maps completed
Complete taxonomic description of imperiled aquatic species, such
as Coosa Madtom, Sicklefin Redhorse, Holiday Darters, Coosa
Chub, and other high priority species as needed.
M Accurate recognition of species diversity is necessary for the prudent
investment of conservation resources and will also determine what
conservation actions are appropriate for each taxon. For example, if
Coosa populations of the Frecklebelly Madtom are distinct, then there is
only a single source population that could be used for re-stocking the
Conasauga River population if it is declared extinct.
standard morphological and
genetic data used in species
descriptions
Number of species described
Work in collaboration with biologists of other taxonomic groups,
especially herpetofauna, birds, and terrestrial invertebrates, to
procure funding for an inventory of this high priority habitat and
associated landowners. Use GIS resources and aerial imagery to
prioritize ponds to visit. Assess sites for potential suitable habitat
for high priority species of conservation concern. Obtain landowner
contacts and conduct rare species survey at sites with high
potential.
VH Southwest Georgia depressional wetlands are critical habitat for
numerous species. Most are privately owned and they are numerous on
the landscape; therefore they are undersurveyed. Collaborative effort
among biologists of various specializastions would increase survey
efficiency, funding opportunities, and learning among staff.
Location, vegetation
community characteristics,
species lists, habitat
condition, threats, landowner
contact, rare species data for
Biotics
Number of wetlands surveyed,
number of landowners contacted
Coordinate and encourage terrestrial invertebrate research and
conservation efforts in Georgia and in the SE. Bring together
various experts across major taxonomic groups and coordinate
survey efforts, monitoring, and research.
M There is currently no coordinated research and conservation effort for
terrestrial invertebrates in Georgia, and little or no contact between
various experts on conservation of terrestrial invertebrates
Ranges and occurrence of
rare terrestrial invertebrates
of concern
New or updated occurrence
records of rare terrestrial
invertebrate populations and
invertebrate communities
associated with high priority
habitats; prioritized lists of species
and habitats for conservation.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-45
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
96
Conserve High
Priority Species
Monitor effects of climate change on
sea turtles and their nesting habitat;
Monitor trends in adult female sea
turtle abundance through nest
monitoring programs and genetic
mark-recapture sampling.
Research,
Monitoring
Ongoing, Proposed Caretta caretta, Chelonia
mydas, Dermochelys
coriacea
SCP N/A ESA Section 6,
Nongame Wildlife
Fund; Jekyll Island
Authority, Caretta
Research project,
USFWS, Sea Island
Co, the Lodge at Little
St. Simons Island,
Little Cumberland
Homeowners Assoc.,
Cumberland Island
National Seashore
DNR USFWS, NMFS,
NPS, UGA, Caretta
Research Project,
St. Catherines
Foundation, Sea
Island Co., Jekyll
Island Authority, L.
Cumberland Island
Homeowners
Assoc., The Lodge
at Little St. Simons
Island, Tybee Marine
Science Center
97
Conserve High
Priority Species
Support research on life history,
natural history, taxonomic status, etc.
of high amphibians and reptiles
Research Ongoing, Proposed Numerous All All State Wildlife Grants,
Section 6, Nongame
Wildlife Funds
DNR Private and
university
contractors
98
Conserve High
Priority Species
Update State-protected species list
and work with partners to improve
management for these species.
Regulation,
Management
Proposed All state protected animals
and plants
All All Nongame Wildllife
Fund
DNR SWAP technical
teams, other experts
on status and
distribution; state,
federal, and local
government land
managers.
99
Conserve High
Priority Species,
Conduct floristic inventories of
undersurveyed state-owned
conservation lands with high
potential for high priority plant
species occurrences
Survey Ongoing All All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildlife
Grants
DNR Private contractors
and botanical
specialists
High Priority Conservation Actions P-46
96
97
98
99
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Monitor the length of incubation for all sea turtle nests in the state.
Additionally, continue periodic qualitative surveys of sea turtle
nesting habitat on all barrier island beaches, categorizing each 100
m section as erosional or depositional based on beach and dune
morphological characteristics. Nest counts provide an index of
abundance for adult female sea turtles. Genetic sampling can
provide robust estimates of female abundance as well as important
reproductive parameters such as clutch frequency, remigration
intervals, and site fidelity.
H Sea turtles exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination, so
increasing temperatures during nest incubation resulting from climate
change may skew sex ratios. Length of incubation is significantly
correlated with incubation temperature and thus sex ratios. Another
consequence of climate change is sea level rise, so annual surveys will
be compared to determine changes in the erosional state of sea turtle
nesting habitat. The collection of trend data and estimates of
reproductive parameters are critical for assessing population recovery.
Length of incubation;
characterization of beach
dynamics. Spatial and
temporal distribution of nests,
hatch success, hatchling
production, nest relocation,
nests washover, incubation
durations, nest depredations,
hatchling disorientation, sex
ratios, habitat use.
Changes in length of incubation as
a correlate for skewed sex ratios;
amount of available nesting
habitat; numbers of nesting turtles
and successful hatches are prime
indicators of conservation
success.
In many cases, such research will be a component of survey and
monitoring efforts, but dedicated research may be required to
answer important questions that will help guide conservation efforts.
M Research is an integral part of many amphibian and reptile conservation
efforts, in-part because for many of these species we still have more
questions than answers about aspects of their life history, natural
history, taxonomic status, etc.
Various Increased knowledge on priority
species needs that will improve
conservation efforts
Conduct a review of Georgia's protected species list at least once
every five years. Engage key partners to improve management for
state protected species.
H The state list of protected species was last revised in 2006. Because
the list influences conservation priorities for many key partners, it
should be based upon the most-up-to-date and scientifically reliable
information
Up to date status information
on all state protected species
and species that should be
considered for addition to the
list. Number of species
added to the list; number of
species removed from the
list.
Number of times the list of State-
protected species is reviewed and
revised over the next ten years.
Prioritize specific state conservation lands for targeted survey for
rare plant occurrences. Examples of high priority properties include
Silver Lake WMA and Chickasawhatchee WMA. Determine
locations for high potential habitats to target by topographical map
and aerial photo. Develop a standard format for submitting results
digitally so data can be entered efficiently into the rare species
database. Conduct survey with DNR staff or by contracting with
qualified botanists. Share data and consult with local site managers
to ensure management needs of any high priority rare species and
habitats are incorporated into management plans.
H Certain state conservation lands have high potential for rare plant
species occurrences, but have not yet been surveyed. Local site
managers need better information about locations of high priority rare
plants and habitats for management planning.
Rare species data for Biotics,
plant species lists, plant
community types and
locations
Number of conservation lands
surveyed, number of high quality
habitats located, number of
management plans amended with
rare species management needs
High Priority Conservation Actions P-47
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
100
Engage in
Regional
Conservation
Partnerships
Help implement the Southeastern At-
Risk Species (SEARS) program.
Conservation
planning,
Management,
Outreach
Ongoing At-risk species All All State Wildlife Grants,
other federal grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
WMI SEAFWA Wildlife
Diversity Committee
(WDC), USFWS,
other regional wildlife
conservation
organizations
101
Engage in
Regional
Conservation
Partnerships
Help revise and implement the South
Atlantic Conservation Blueprint.
Conservation
Planning,
Management
Ongoing Numerous PD, SP, SCP Numerous USFWS South Atlantic LCC DNR, USFS, GFA,
others
102
Engage in
Regional
Conservation
Partnerships
Support secure funding for regional
conservation efforts.
Funding Ongoing At-risk species All All State Wildlife Grants,
other federal grants
DNR AFWA, SEAFWA,
federal agencies
(e.g., USFWS,
DOD), neighboring
state fish and wildlife
agencies
103
Implement
Climate Change
Adaptation
Create an updated map to help guide
land acquisition and identify future
greenway projects. Acquire LiDAR
and other data to enhance
conservation planning and
management.
Conservation
Planning,
Habitat
Protection,
Management
Ongoing, Proposed Numerous All All TBD DNR, USFWS, DoD, USFS TNC, GDOT, RDCs,
local governments,
land trusts, Georgia
Land Conservation
Center, Oconee
Rivers Greenway
Commission, land
trusts
104
Implement
Climate Change
Adaptation
Develop a comprehensive, dynamic
habitat modeling process that
includes projected landscape
changes and demographic patterns.
Incorporate climate change into
landscape and species models and
use these to inform conservation
plans.
Research,
Conservation
Planning
Proposed Numerous All All State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR, USFWS, DoD, USFS UGA, other research
institutions, TNC,
land managers
High Priority Conservation Actions P-48
100
101
102
103
104
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Includes actions needed to addressed petitioned and candidate
species to help minimize the need for federal listings under the
Endangered Species Act. Develop and promote data sharing
procedures between state fish and wildlife agencies and the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service so that the best available data is used in
listing decisions during the critical points in the decision making
process. Identify the highest priority species, coordinate data, and
identify funding mechanisms.
VH Implement the Southeast At-Risk Species Plan by compiling and
analyzing data from field surveys, conducting range-wide status
assessments of petitioned species, developing proactive conservation
plans to address threats, collaborating on data sharing and outreach
activities, and providing technical assistance that will inform the listing
process. Reach out to stakeholder groups, including private
landowners, sportsmans groups, civic groups, and legislators to help
them understand the goals and objectives of the SEARS program.
Data from surveys, status
assessments and habitat
models, etc. Information
from datasets shared with
other states, meetings, and
reports.
Level of participation in the
program; number of status
assessments completed; number
of conservation plans completed
and implemented; number of
species removed from petitioned
list.
Help revise and implement the regional plan that describes the
places and actions needed to meet conservation objectives in the
face of future change. Provide data on Georgia conservation
priorities, identify research and conservation needs, solicit new
regional partners, and test ecological indicators and species/habitat
models.
H The SALCC Conservation Blueprint provides a regional context for
implementation of the Georgia SWAP and plans of other participating
states and agencies. This blueprint will be tested, revised and
implemented in a series of iterative steps involving input from state and
federal agencies and other conservation organizations.
Data provided to SALCC
database; interactions with
SALCC staff; number of
projects implemented using
the Conservation Blueprint
Level of participation in the
revision and implementation of the
blueprint; number of state and
regional projects that benefit from
the Conservation Blueprint.
Assist with applying for competitive and other grants to secure
greater funding for conserving species of shared responsibility.
Provide input to and support for the efforts of the Blue Ribbon
Panel on Sustaining America’s Diverse Fish and Wildlife Resources (BRP) to identify a dedicated source of funds for nongame fish and
wildlife conservation.
H Additional resources are needed for completion of SEARS program and
other regional conservation initiatives. Competitive grant programs and
funds from private foundations may be needed. In addtion, federal
funding must be increased in order for the SEARS program and similar
regional conservation efforts to be successful.
Funding initiatives pursued
by state, federal and
nongovernmental
organizations in support of
regional conservation
programs such as SEARS.
Number of appropriate funding
initiatives pursued; funding
received and applied to SEARS
program and related regional
conservation efforts.
Refine the existing draft greenways map and state wildlife habitat
map by incorporating information from sources such as the
Southeast Resilience Landscapes Project and DNR species
distribution models. Create new conservation opportunities map to
guide land protection. Use LiDAR data to help create the statewide
map of habitats, show topography, delineate wetlands, and develop
strategies for protection and management of coastal plain wetlands.
Prioritize management practices on those lands projected to be
most resilient to change to minimize risk.
VH An updated conservation opportunities map that reflects current
distribution information on high priority species, habitats, and landscape
features as well as outputs from species distribution models and
models of landscape diversity and permeability is needed to inform
future conservation efforts in Georgia. This will be an iterative process
informed by new data from field surveys and modeling approaches that
take into account projected climate change, developement, and
demographic changes in Georgia and the Southeast.
Updated information on all
priority species; data from
species distribution models
and landscape resiliency
models; projected trends in
climate change, development
patterns, demographic
changes, and land use.
Statewide LiDAR coverage
acquired. Updated conservation
priorities map developed.
Management priorities developed
with potential climate-related
changes incorporated.
Changes can be incorporated into the model as modeling
assumptions shift, land cover and climate changes, and
conservation lands are added. This would create a future habitat
component to habitat models that will be beneficial for long term
planning. Final prioritization inputs will include sea level rise and
other climate change impacts. Review data from Southeast
Resilient Landscapes model and other models to identify resilient
landscapes. Emphasize management actions that maintain and
enhance connectivity in priority areas and avoid fragmenting
habitats.
H Dynamic habitat and landscape models that take into account projected
trends in urbanization, demographic changes, and direct and indirect
impacts of climate shifts are needed for prioritization of conservation
and habitat management efforts.
Data from Southeast
Resilient Landscapes
Project, SLEUTH, SLAMM,
and other models of
landscape change; updated
coverage of high priority
species and habitats
Dynamic models for species
distribution that incorporate
landscape changes, including
projected climate change,
development, demographic
changes, and land use changes
High Priority Conservation Actions P-49
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
105
Improve
Environmental
Education
Assess the current level of wildlife
conservation literacy among Georgia
citizens.
Education Proposed All All All Could be minimal -
possibly utilize
graduate students for
the analysis and
reporting. DNR has
Survey Monkey
account.
DNR with a university EE groups, Georgia
Wildlife Federation,
colleges, PTAs,
nature oriented
groups, GPB, SWAP
Communications
Team
106
Improve
Environmental
Education
Create educational core concepts
with key messages that support the
main SWAP themes.
Education Proposed All All All In-kind or part of
current organization
budgets.
DNR For Content: SWAP
technical teams,
EPA, EPD, GFC,
NRCS, USFWS,
USFS. For
Readibilty: SWAP
Communications
Team, EEA of
Georgia, Georgia
Dept. of Education,
Georgia Science
Teachers
Association,and
higher education
professionals.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-50
105
106
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Assess the current level of Georgia citizens' awareness about
native wildlife and wildlife conservation needs. Data collection to be
done online possibly using Survey Monkey or like software.
Includes a baseline survey of various ages and audience types
(possibly separated as 15 & older vs. 15 & under) as well as
subsequent measuring of efforts by DNR & partners to promote
SWAP themes/messages
(Measure = Collect, Analyze, & Report).
VH A survey of wildlife conservation literacy is needed to establish baseline
data for future assessments of progress in current environmental
education programs and the creation of new programs. To get the
number of responses needed to accurately reflect GA citizen's
knowledge, attitude and behavior we will need to work with the SWAP
Communications team to conduct a massive email campaign through
numerous organizations. We also recommend there is an incentive for
participants completing the survey (ie., entered into a random drawing
for gift certificates).
Various measures of current
public knowledge, attitudes
and behaviors regarding
wildlife conservation issues
and challenges in Georgia.
Ideally 250,000 responses
received; analysis and summary
of evaluation results.
Develop a SWAP logo with 'slogan' and five educational core
concepts with key messages that support the main SWAP themes
and are geared toward all Georgia citizens (messages can be
tailored for specific audiences through educational materials). The
messages will focus on conserving all of Georgia's natural
resources including plants, wildlife and their habitats, prompting
awareness, appreciation and responsible action -- not only for the
resources' benefit but for human needs.
VH Common, consistent messaging shared by all conservation agencies
and other stakeholders more effectively reaches and resonates with all
Georgians. Messages will stress that everyone can be involved in
improving and protecting the quality of their environment, realizing that
human actions impact all natural resources.
No new data will be collected.
The messages will be
created using existing
information from partners.
Messages are agreed upon and
approved by partners.
Stakeholders have incorporated
these messages into their
communications, materials, and
conservation work.
A future environmental literacy
survey, when compared to a
baseline survey, could reveal if
these messages have had an
impacted the behavior of Georgia
citizens.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-51
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
107
Improve
Environmental
Education
Improve communication of SWAP
messages to regional education
networks and community groups.
Education Proposed Numerous All All Mostly in-kind or part of
current organization
budgets, but may need
assistance from TERN
or other grants.
DNR Wildlife Resources
(Public Affairs and
Education Staff)
Nature centers,
regional education
centers, partner
agencies and
organizations. Utilize
partners who have
public affairs staff
and can include
SWAP messages in
their own
communications
when consistent with
their mission (EEA in
Georgia, EMCs,
Georgia Power,
GWF, sportsman
organizations, etc.)
108
Improve
Environmental
Education
Through the SWAP Advisory Board,
implement the resolution to develop
an Environmental Literacy Plan in
Georgia.
Education Proposed All All All Private and local
sources must be
sought. Possible
hunter education
funding.
Office of the Governor, GA
Dept. of Education, DNR
Georgia Wildlife
Federation, Relevant
Governmental and
Non-Governmental
Environmental
Education
Organizations
High Priority Conservation Actions P-52
107
108
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
SWAP educational messages are best disseminated through
leaders/moderators in each ecoregion and via existing networks.
Virtually or in-person, ecoregion representatives spread the word by
incorporating SWAP messages and materials into their
programming and current communications. Use the DNR
Nongame e-newsletter and/or develop a GovDelivery bulletin to
better dissiminate SWAP messages. For two-way communication,
a Facebook page should be developed. Also consider creating a
SWAP clearinghouse website, separate from or part of the GA
DNR Wildlife Resources Division website. In addition to the
general public, target audiences include school children, teachers
(including pre-service), and community groups that affect land use
(private property owners, business leaders, government officials,
etc.). To encourage buy-in by these groups, community
programming could integrate SWAP strategies with local issues,
thereby creating a common educational strategy.
VH Conservation issues vary between ecoregions. Having groups and
contact lists from each ecoregion can make dissemination of
information more productive. This delivery would be done in the sense
of long-tail marketing by getting the most relevant, popular, newsworthy
and interesting topics to leaders/moderators for them to relay to
community members. Partners will be asked to endorse the SWAP as
evidence of outreach to a broad group of stakeholders.
Contact lists will be compiled
through the SWAP working
group and EEinGA.org.
Leaders/moderators will be a
representative of the GA
DNR or from a partner
agency/organization.
Downloads of educational
materials and other website
analytics; additional open online
environmental education
resources and technical
information available through
eeingeorgia.org or DNR
webpages; requests for
information resulting from
personal interaction at festivals,
meetings, trainings; results of
short instant surveys at targeted
websites and outdoor places
where people visit, to measure
awareness of SWAP-related
educational materials such as GA
DNRs e-newsletter, Dragonfly
Gazette (Project Wet), Junior
Rangers (state parks) and
eeingeorgia.org; development of
new materials to fill gaps as
needed.
The SWAP Advisory Committee should support the Georgia
Department of Education in creating an Environmental Literacy
Plan (ELP). Through a partnership, the Department of Natural
Resources, Wildlife Resources Division can advise the Georgia
Department of Education on how to best address wildlife
conservation concepts in the ELP. Since no federal funds currently
are available in regards to the No Child Left Inside Act, the SWAP
Advisory Board could become involved in the development of the
Next Generation Science Standards as a near-term goal.
M Georgia's citizens must have a basis for understanding the
environmental issues we face if we are to make informed decisions
about our state’s environmental health. Creating an environmental literacy plan will provide the framework for school systems and other
organizations to expand and improve their environmental education
programs in order to improve environmental literacy for Georgia's
citizens.
Devise a method of
measuring baseline data and
increased time spent in
nature by children. Devise a
method of measuring
baseline children’s health data and explore correlations
between time spent in nature
by children and children’s health. Survey to assess
literacy upon graduation.
Resolution signed by the
Governor, a functioning Georgia
Partnership for Children in Nature
(GPCN), a completed ELP, and
annual assessment of progress
towards becoming an
environmentally literate adult.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-53
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
109
Improve
Environmental
Education
Educate beachgoers and boaters
about the plight of beach nesting
birds and passage migrants that use
Georgia beaches and offshore bars
Education Ongoing/Proposed Beach nesting Birds, as well
as migrants and
overwintering species that
build up critical energy
reserves foraging on our
coast during spring and fall.
Include Red Knot, and Piping
Plover
SCP Several State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR USFWS, Little St.
Simons Island,
Cumberland Island,
St. Catherins Island,
Audubon chapters,
American Bird
Conservancy
110
Improve
Environmental
Education
Identify and develop targeted
educational materials to facilitate the
delivery of SWAP conservation
messages to the public.
Education Ongoing, Proposed All. To be specified by users. All All Possible TERN grant
as well as exisitng
resources
DNR Captain Planet
Foundation, EEA of
Georgia, Flint
Riverquarium,
Georgia Aquarium,
Georgia 4-H,
Georgia Dept. of
Education, GDOT,
GFC, GDA, Georgia
Forestry Foundation,
GWF, NPS, Project
WET, Project WILD,
Project Learning
Tree, State Botanical
Garden of Georgia,
Turner Foundation,
USFWS, UGA, Zoo
Atlanta
111
Improve Private
Land
Management
Assist DNR Private Lands Program
biologists with technical support and
outreach to private landowners
owning significant botanical sites
Education,
Outreach
Ongoing Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildlife
Grants, NRCS and
USFWS funds
DNR (PLP) will lead; DNR
(NCS) will assist
GPCA and its
member institutions
High Priority Conservation Actions P-54
109
110
111
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Develop a strategic outreach and education plan to reach beach
users and boaters about the challenges faced by beach
nesting/foraging/roosting birds. Combination of signage, outreach
programs, PSAs, press releases, and other methods.
H Human disturbance is a major threat to beach nesting birds. Human
and canine presence can keep adults off nests where they become
vulnerable to exposure and depredation.
Levels of human and canine
use in beach nesting
habitats.
Increased nest success due to
less human disturbance, dog
closures on certain beaches
Enhance environmental education through development or
increased awareness of innovative resources, tools, materials and
models incorporating the knowledge, expertise, and resources
contained in the SWAP. Correlate SWAP's main themes to core
concepts (to be developed), and then tailor educational materials to
specific ecoregions and audiences. Disseminate SWAP info via
DNR websites, EEinGeorgia website, and other partner websites.
VH The health and well-being of Georgia's plants, wildlife, and people
depends on the quality and integrity of the environment. Loss,
degradation, and fragmentation of habitat are the greatest problems
facing fish and wildlife. To effectively protect Georgia's natural heritage,
the public must be aware of and engaged in conservation.
Collect data on use of
EEinGeorgia and other
partners' websites.
Click rates, downloads of
education materials and other
website analytics; number of print-
outs of files containing lesson
materials; results of short instant
surveys at targeted websites and
outdoor places.
NCS botanists will continue to support the Private Lands Program
(PLP) and PLP biologists with technical botanical assistance
focusing on general vegetation and rare plant communities, as well
as rare plant species information. NCS botanists will continue to
promote the various aspects of the PLP, numerous Farm Bill
programs (e.g., EQUIP, WHIP, CRP, and PFW), and other options
(e.g., conservation easements, GA Conservation Tax Credit
Program, and CUVA) to private landowners throughout the state. In
addition to the "standard" duties listed above, NCS botanists and
PLP biologists will work for the protection of special botanical "small
sites".
H The PLP has a need for technical botanical assistance and NCS
botanists will continue to provide it. However, rare plant conservation
frequently requires a focus on small isolated populations, sites, and
EOs. The PLP typically focuses on larger acreages that have a broader,
mixed-use focus that includes agriculture, silviculture, recreation, and
historic/cultural preservation. Efforts need to be made to identify special
small botanical sites and to work with the private landowners to ensure
their protection. This may require special collaborations between NCS
botanists and PLP biologists, new training for PLP staff, and/or the hire
of a designated PLP botanical professional.
Lists and descriptions of
properties and landowners,
and rare plant
species/communities
inhabiting these properties.
PLP biologists will be
collecting additional data.
Number of at-risk, threatened
botanical sites protected,
acquired, or put under easement.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-55
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
112
Improve Private
Land
Management
Coordinate utilization of and training
for implementation of Georgia's Best
Management Practices for
Agriculture and improve wildlife
conservation guidelines
Management,
Education
Proposed All High Priority Species and
Habitats
All All State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
GSWCC, DNR UGA Cooperative
Extension Service,
Georgia Cattlemen's
Association, Georgia
Dept. of Agriculture,
Georgia Farm
Bureau, GWF
113
Improve Private
Land
Management
Coordinate utilization of and training
for implementation of Georgia's Best
Management Practices for Forestry
and improve wildlife conservation
guidelines
Management,
Education
Proposed All High Priority Species and
Habitats
All All State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
GFC, DNR GFC, PARC, PIF,
GFA, Forestry for
Wildlife Partners,
UGA, Southeastern
Wood Producer's
Association, SFI
Implementation
Committee, Master
Timber Harvester
Program
114
Improve Private
Land
Management
Develop guidelines for wildlife habitat
management for high priority species
Management,
Education
Proposed All High Priority Species and
Habitats
All All State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR USFWS, GFC,
PARC, PIF, Forestry
for Wildlife Partners,
UGA, GDA, NRCS,
SFI Implementation
Committee, Georgia
Power, other
corporate
landowners
High Priority Conservation Actions P-56
112
113
114
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Provide information and technical assistance to develop a wildlife
conservation component for agricultural BMPs that addresses
needs and opportunities for wildlife habitat protection. Provide
assistance with development of educational outreach and training
programs relating to existing BMPs as well as more specific
guidance on conservation or enhancement of wildlife habitat and
protection of sensitive sites.
H Georgia's Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Agriculture address
specific water quality issues. However, specific impacts of certain land
management practices on wildlife and sensitive habitats are not
adequately addressed, nor are opportunities to avoid or minimize these
impacts. A multidisciplinary review team should assess current BMPs
and develop additional guidance for wildlife conservation that can be
incorporated in the next version of Georgia's BMPs for agriculture, or
included in a separate document for a wide variety of landowners and
managers.
Comparison of other state
BMP's for agriculture;
development of a wildllife
conservation component that
addresses needs and
opportunities for conservation
or enhancement of wildlife
habitat and protection of
sensitive sites.
Number of high priority habitats
and species protected through
enhanced BMPs
Review wildlife management, protected species, and sensitive sites
components of existing BMPs (Section 7 of forestry BMPs) and
recommend improvements for the next revision of Georgia's BMP's.
Recommend monitoring protocol for existing BMPs. Develop
educational outreach programs and training programs relating to
existing BMPs as well as more specific guidance on conservation
or enhancement of wildlife habitat and protection of sensitive sites.
M Georgia's Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Forestry address
specific water quality issues and generally address wildlife habitat
conservation. However, specific impacts of certain land management
practices on wildlife and sensitive habitats are not adequately
addressed, nor are opportunities to avoid or minimize these impacts. A
multidisciplinary review team should assess current BMPs and develop
additional guidance for wildlife conservation that can be incorporated in
the next version of Georgia's BMPs for forestry, or included in a
separate document for a wide variety of landowners and managers.
Comparison of other state
BMP's for forestry;
recommendations from
Master Timber Harvester
Program, SFI, and similar
programs. Development of
an "Elements of Wildlife
Conservation" component
that addresses needs and
opportunities for conservation
or enhancement of wildlife
habitat and sensitive sites.
Number of high priority habitats
and species protected through
enhanced BMPs.
Develop habitat-specific management guidelines to address
conservation needs of high priority species in each ecoregion of the
state and provide these to landowners and managers. Develop
educational programs and materials emphasizing opportunities for
receiving technical support and/or financial incentives to maintain or
enhance rare species populations and significant natural
communities.
VH There are few land management guidelines for the various
landowners/managers in the state (county departments of
transportation, mining, agricultural, and forestry interests) that
satisfactorily address wildlife habitat conservation objectives.
Commonly used land use practices that affect high priority species are
not adequately addressed in existing Forestry or Agricultural BMPs or
other management guidelines. Improved guidelines that address
general wildlife conservation objectives as well as recovery objectives
for listed species and other high priority species would be a significant
improvement.
Comparison of other state
wildlife management
guidelines and recovery
objectives for listed and other
high priority species.
Development of management
guidelines that address
conservation of significant
natural communities and high
priority wildlife species,
techniques for habitat
restoration or enhancement,
and opportunities to receive
technical or financial support
to undertake these activities.
Number of high priority habitats
and species protected through
management guidelines. Number
of landowners provided technical
guidance for conservation of high
priority habitats and species.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-57
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
115
Improve Private
Land
Management
Encourage use of prescribed fire as
a habitat management tool on private
lands. Provide information and
technical assistance to landowners to
encourage appropriate use of
prescribed fire as a management tool
to enhance and maintain wildlife
habitats.
Management,
Education,
Outreach
Ongoing Numerous All All State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife
Fund, National Fish &
Wildlife Foundation,
USFWS, NRCS
DNR, GFC, NRCS, TNC,
USFWS
Joseph W. Jones
Ecological Research
Center, GWF,
PARC, PIF, UGA-
WSFR, GFA,
Prescribed Fire
Council, Longleaf
Pine Alliance, private
landowners and
managers.
116
Improve Private
Land
Management
Collaborate on the revision and
implementation of the Georgia Forest
Action Plan.
Conservation
planning
Ongoing Numerous All All GFC, DNR GFC DNR, USFS, GFA,
others
117
Improve Public
Land
Management
Continue to implement rare plant
restoration, enhancement, and
safeguarding program. Identify
needs, develop horticultural
guidelines, and initiate rare plant
propagation efforts; continue to
develop/improve and implement
Safeguarding protocols; continue
monitoring populations.
Research,
Management,
Monitoring
Proposed Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, ESA Section-6,
GPCA and its member
institutions
GPCA, DNR, USFWS,
USFS, SBG, ABG
GPCA member
institutions
High Priority Conservation Actions P-58
115
116
117
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Provide information and technical and/or financial assistance to
landowners to encourage appropriate use of prescribed fire as a
management tool to enhance and maintain wildlife habitats. Work
with EPD to maintain reasonable burning windows to allow proper
management of fire-dependent habitats while meeting air quality
standards. Utilize Interagency Burn Team approach to share
expertise and costs associated with prescribed burns on
ecologically significant sites.
VH Many of Georgia's high priority habitats and species are fire-dependent.
The long-term viability of these species and habitats hinges on
increased emphasis on prescribed burns conducted under conditions
that mimic natural fire regimes. Significant opportunities exist to restore
or enhance fire-dependent habitats on private land, but landowners and
managers need information, technical support, and in many cases,
financial support to initiate and maintain these management efforts.
Location and condition of
high priority sites and
habitats for prescribed burns.
Number of landowners willing
to undertake habitat
restoration or enhancement
projects. Presence and
condition of populations of
high-priority species.
Improved structural and
compositional characteristics of
fire-dependent habitats.
Enhanced viability of populations
of high-priority species in restored
or enhanced habitats. Acres of
wildlife habitat maintained
primarily through prescribed
burns. Number of landowners
employing growing season burns.
The Georgia Forestry Commission will be assessing and revising
the Forest Action Plan in the near future. DNR will contribute to the
wildlife conservation component in the Plan and identify
opportunities for future collaboration on conservation
H The Forest Action Plan provides the framework for forest-related
programs and activities by GFC and its conservation partners. DNR will
provide input on wildlife conservation needs and opportunities, attend
planning meetings, and participate in outreach and other activities to
facilitate the plan revision.
Information on Forest Action
Plan data requests, data
provided, meetings attended,
and wildlife conservation
objectives incorporated.
Level of participation in the
revision and implementation of the
plan; timely completion of the plan
revision and incorporation of
SWAP conservation objectives
Propagate rare plants identified as being most at risk of extinction
and likely to benefit most from a coordinated propagation and
reintroduction effort. Make use of and modify (for Georgia) existing
protocols employed by other states and countries. Safeguarding
sites (incl. reintroduction, enhancement, and newly created sites)
would be identified from the available mix of public, and private
lands within the state. Habitat maintenance plans and long-term
monitoring program would also be developed for each
Safeguardingf site.
VH Because opportunities for rare plant site acquisition are limited, greater
emphasis must be placed on augmenting populations of critically
threatened plants on existing protected areas. One area that offers
promise is the propagation and planting of rare, endangered and special
concern plants for the reintroduction of historical populations,
enhancement of existing populations, and the establishment of new
safeguarding populations in suitable habitat.
Prioritized list of rare plants
that can be successfully
propagated and reintroduced
over a 10 year period.
Protocols and guidelines
used by other state and
federal programs and
agencies will be reviewed.
Number and location of
plants, ecotypes represented,
population size, reproductive
effort, areal extent, threats,
etc.
List of plants prioritized based on
the potenital for propagation and
reintroduction; guidelines for
collection, notation, and
horticulture; plants produced from
ex situ propagation. Identification
of numerous suitable sites for
reintroduction, enhancement, or
safeguarding Stable/growing
populations with reproductive
effort and recruitment level
necessary to provide for long-term
viability.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-59
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
118
Improve Public
Land
Management
Create DNR online database of
monitoring projects. Conduct periodic
meetings to share data, coordinate
efforts, and address problems. Hire
a DNR monitoring program
coordinator.
Monitoring,
Database,
Administration
Proposed All All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildlife
Grants, other USFWS
funds
DNR (WRD, PRHSD, EPD) USFWS, U.S.
Geologic Survey,
USGS Cooperative
Fish and Wildlife
Unit, U.S. Forest
Service, The Nature
Conservancy,
National Park
Service
119
Improve Public
Land
Management
Develop an adaptive management
approach for high priority plants and
natural communities on public lands
Monitoring,
Research,
Habitat
Protection
Ongoing, Proposed Ceratiola ericoides,
Echinacea laevigata, Elliottia
racemosa, Lindera
melissifolia, Oxypolis canbyi,
Rhus michauxii, Xerophyllum
asphodeloides, Oaky Woods
Prairies, herbaceous
seepage bogs, longleaf pine
sandhill, others as need
arises
All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildlife
Grants, ESA Section 6,
other USFWS funds
DNR GPCA and its
member institutions,
USGS Cooperative
Fish and Wildlife
Research Unit,
various colleges and
universities
High Priority Conservation Actions P-60
118
119
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
The database will be a tool to share monitoring reports, provide a
standardized system to store protocols, data, qualitative information
regarding land management results, and metadata about projects.
Implementation would likely occur as a two-phase process, with the
first phase to develop the system for posting project reports and
qualitative management results, and the second to develop the
system for storing and accessing protocols, data, and metadata.
Monitoring meetings are a venue for staff to share ideas on
monitoring in a peer-review environment for improving monitoring
and conservation projects. A monitoring coordinator would review
and compile monitoring plans, facilitate communication between
partners to facilitate collaboration, set standards for protocol
development, protocol documentation, data management, and
reporting, communicate with academic institutions to develop
opportunities for collaborative adaptive management projects, and
provide venues for sharing of results, technologies, and ideas.
VH Within DNR, there is lack of awareness of monitoring projects and
associated challenges, even among biologists studying the same
groups of species and ecological systems. Improving coordination of
monitoring within DNR will serve as a model for coordination of
monitoring among partners state-wide. Improving coordination and
standardization is critical to improving rare species and habitat
monitoring, which provides knowledge needed to determine optimal
conservation and management actions. Monitoring occurs over many
specializations and roles in Georgia. A person dedicated to coordinating
monitoring within DNR and its partners is necessary to bridge the
complex monitoring nextwork in the state, and to facilitate
communication about monitoring results to decision makers and natural
resource managers.
Monitoring project protocols,
metadata, results. Inventory
of rare species and habitat
monitoring by DNR and
partners. Incoroporation of
monitoring protocols, results,
and metadata on DNR
monitoring projects into a
unified database.
Implementation of a system to
easily store and access
information about rare species and
habitat monitoring. Improved
coordination of monitoring
programs within DNR.
Design and carry out adaptive management projects for focal rare
species and habitats where they are being managed on public
conservation lands and the effects of management are uncertain or
there is risk to the rare element. Monitoring results feedback
directly to land managers so management actions can be improved
in future iterations.
VH Landscape scale management may conflict with micro-site
management needs for certain rare plant species, or effects of
management for certain rare plants and habitats may be uncertain. In
these cases there is risk of management negatively impacting the rare
plants and habitats and monitoring is a high priority. Monitoring projects
will be prioritized according to the species affected and the uncertainty
or risk of management to be enacted. Monitoring will be designed so
only critical variables are measured and results feedback directly into
determining subsequent management actions.
Critical population and
habitat data to indicate status
of the focal elements, related
environmental variables,
management events
Number of projects where
monitoring results directly inform
land management decisions,
Documentation of improved
communication among rare
species biologists and public land
management staff.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-61
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
120
Improve Public
Land
Management
Implement integrated resource
management of federal lands and
waters (including oceanic habitats),
emphasizing restoration and
maintenance of natural communities
and rare species populations. Work
with DNR and other conservation
organizations to enhance ecosystem
functions and address regional
conservation needs.
Management Ongoing, Proposed Numerous All All Federal agency
operating funds; DoD
Legacy Management
Program; DoD
Encroachment and
Buffering funds; State
Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DoD, USFS, USFWS, NPS,
NOAA, CRD
DNR, TNC,
NatureServe, USGS
121
Improve Public
Land
Management
Implement integrated resource
management of state lands and
waters (fresh, brackish, and salt),
emphasizing restoration and
maintenance of natural communities
and rare species populations (i.e.,
ecosystem management). Work with
other conservation organizations to
address regional conservation
needs.
Management Ongoing, Proposed Numerous All All State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife
Fund, other WRD
operating funds,
NFWF,
DNR GFC, TNC, Joseph
W. Jones Ecological
Research Center,
UGA-WSFR, UGA-
NARSAL, NESPAL,
private landowners
High Priority Conservation Actions P-62
120
121
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Conduct surveys of federal lands to determine distribution and
status of rare species and natural communities. Map location and
extent of high priority habitats and landscape features using
systems that are compatible across agency boundaries.
Incorporate management recommendations for these features in
long term management plans. Exchange information on rare
species and natural communities with Georgia DNR and other
organizations that maintain biodiversity databases. Contribute to
ecoregional strategies for control of exotic species and restoration
of natural communities. Share information and expertise relating to
inventory, mapping, management, and monitoring of species and
communities.
VH Federal lands (national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests; military
bases) contain some of the most significant habitats and populations of
rare species in the state. Continued collaboration between DNR,
federal land managing agencies, and private conservation organizations
is critical for improvements in capacity to maintain Georgia's natural
diversity. Increased collaboration and coordination of conservation
efforts can result in protection of wildlife corridors and landscape
features necessary for long term ecosystem maintenance. This
collaboration should include oceanic habitats under federal jurisdiction
Location and condition of
high priority species and
habitats. Information on
minimum viable population
sizes, historic vegetation and
land use patterns, restoration
potential, management
alternatives, and threats to
species/habitats.
Opportunities for protection
of edgeholdings and
inholdings through fee-simple
acquisition or easements.
Opportunities for
collaborative research and
management projects
Improved condition of wildlife
populations and habitats on
federal lands. Increased
connectivity and protection of
wildlife corridors and landscape
features. Greater interagency
exchange of information and
expertise regarding rare species
and natural community inventory,
management, and monitoring.
Revise and update management plans for WMAs and other state
lands as needed to address specific restoration objectives.
Emphasize restoration of former pine plantations to stands that
closely resemble natural forest and savanna communities and
reintroduction of fire as a management tool wherever appropriate
and feasible. Utilize information from historic aerial photos and land
lot survey data from the 1800s to identify historic vegetation.
Continue collaboration with partners to determine and implement
appropriate methods for restoration of natural habitats, including
restoration of groundcover in longleaf pine ecosystem. Monitor
results of restoration efforts. Coordinate with CRD to protect
coastal marshes, waterways and rare upland habitats
VH Many state-owned WMAs (especially in the Coastal Plain) are former
industrial forest lands. Restoration of these stands to uneven aged pine
forests and savannas would benefit many high priority species.
Integrated resource management of state properties for a wide range of
nongame species will complement ongoing management for game
species. Greater use of prescribed fire as a management tool for
restoration and management of natural communities will provide
numerous benefits for high priority species. Historic aerial photos and
models of historic vegetation derived from land lot survey witness tree
data can help identify restoration objectives.
Various measures of stand
density, vegetation structure,
and community composition.
Population sizes of high
priority species associated
with these habitats.
Information from historic
aerial photos, historic
vegetation models, soil
surveys, and other sources.
Information on condition of
potential donor sites used for
harvesting native
groundcover species, as well
as potential recipient sites.
Improved structural and
compositional characteristics of
former industrial timber stands
within each WMA. Total number
of stands/acres restored.
Increased population sizes and
overall viability of high priority
species. Acres planted with native
groundcover species harvested
from donor sites; native
groundcover species diversity and
abundance in recipient sites
High Priority Conservation Actions P-63
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
122
Improve Public
Land
Management
Strengthen and expand the fire photo
monitoring program
Monitoring Ongoing and
Proposed
All All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildlife
Grants
DNR Georgia State Parks
Division, Interagency
Burn Team
123
Improve Public
Land
Management
Survey state-owned lands for federal
and state protected species and
other species of concern and
incorporate conservation objectives
into management plans
Survey,
Management
Ongoing, Proposed Numerous All All State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife Fund
DNR State Botanical
Garden, Georgia
Botanical Society,
Audubon Society,
local volunteers.
124
Improve Public
Land
Management
Establish or augment populations of
gopher frog, striped newt, gopher
tortoise and other high priority
species on protected lands
Management Ongoing, Proposed Rana capito, Notophthalmus
perstriatus, Gopherus
polyphemus, Ambystoma
cingulatum, others
SP, SCP All State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife
Fund, Section 6
DNR USFWS, UGA, Zoo
Atlanta, Atlanta
Botanical Garden
125
Improve SWAP
Communications
Increase awareness of the SWAP
among partner organizations.
Communicatio
ns, Outreach
Proposed Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife Fund DNR Communications
Team members
126
Improve SWAP
Communications
Promote the conservation actions,
themes and goals of the SWAP to
five priority stakeholder groups to
increase stakeholders’ support for wildlife conservation; awareness of
the SWAP, its importance, themes
and successes; and, awareness of
the partnership effort involved.
Communicatio
ns, Outreach
Ongoing Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife Fund DNR SWAP
Communications
Team members
(WRD, TGC, GDOT,
GFA, GFC, Georgia
Power, TNC,
DoD,USFWS, USFS
and NRCS). Other
potential partners
include CRD, UGA,
Botanical Garden of
Georgia and others.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-64
122
123
124
125
126
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Photo monitoring of prescribed fire effects has been installed at 25
sites state-wide. Tasks for improvement include: develop efficient
software mechanisms to submit, catalogue, view, and quantitatively
analyze photos; expand sites to monitor different management
types, WMA's, and reference habitats; and incorporate quantitative
data into the protocol at high priority sites.
VH A statewide fire monitoring program was initiated in 2009 to improve
documentation of the prescribed fire program, indicate whether long-
term burning objectives are being met, and involve local site managers
in monitoring their management activities. The photographs are the only
readily available documentation of fire effects at many managed
conservation lands and, with these improvement to the program, they
will be better organized, more accessible, and an excellent resource for
demonstrating long term change.
Systematized photographs
and associated land
management events; fire
effects and vegetation
community data
Number of sites with fire
monitoring conducted at least
biennually, ability to submit and
easily catalouge photos, ability to
query photos and generate cleanly
formatted layouts.
Determine location and distribution of protected species and
species of concern on Wildlife Management Areas, Natural Areas,
Public Fishing Areas and State Parks.
H The status of many species is unknown on state-owned lands.
Protection and management of these species can not be accomplished
without accurate and up to date occurrence information.
High priority species found
on a WMA, NA, PFA, or
State Park, specific locations
of populations, colonies, or
individuals, estimate of
numbers of individual when
feasible.
Number of WMAs, NAs, PFAs,
and State Parks thoroughly
surveyed for all high priority
species.
Establish or augment populations of high priority animal species on
protected lands in the Coastal Plain. Candidate species include
gopher frog, striped newt, flatwoods salamander, gopher tortoise,
and red-cockaded woodpeckers
H The gopher frog and gopher tortoise have been proposed for federal
listing. The need for listing these species may be minimized if proactive
conservation measures can be implemented on protected lands. Other
listed or candidate species should be evaluated. for establishment or
augmentation on public lands
Potentially suitable habitats
for establishment or
augmentation of populations
will be evaluated. Population
levels will be monitored.
Establishment of viable
populations of high priority animal
species on public land.
This "in-reach" will mimic communications with the five stakeholder
groups but with the focus on SWAP partner organizations. Work
with individual partners will identify best ways to reach their staffs
on specific messaging.
VH In-reach is important, considering that partners are the face of the
SWAP. Raising awareness and understanding of the plan among our
staffs will better prepare them to address the topic with constituents and
fellow workers, and can widen the base of support for the SWAP.
Data collected will vary
according to the particular "in-
reach" initiatives, but may
include number of messages
and surveys of recipients.
Online surveys of willing partner
organizations can set benchmarks
to monitor changes in knowledge
of the SWAP. Partners' use of
products can also be reported.
Create messaging, including calls to action, from the SWAP
revision themes and technical team needs. Match communication
options and products (social media posts, news releases, video,
events, etc.) to the audience and situation or issue targeted. Share
messaging through the partners network. Continue development of
audience contact lists.
H As noted, this effort will feed from overall SWAP focal points set by the
Advisory Committee, as well as specific priority communication needs
identified by the individual technical teams.
None, except for any data
resulting from use of surveys
and possibly web analytics to
gauge impacts.
Use of online surveys to set
baseline support and awareness
will be explored, along with follow-
up surveys to measure effects.
Where appropriate, analytics can
be used to gauge traffic at related
websites.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-65
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
127
Improve SWAP
Communications
Work with the SWAP Education
Team as needed to achieve its
recommendations. Specifically: 1)
Help create an online survey
supporting an assessment of
Georgians’ wildlife conservation literacy; 2) help with the content of
core educational concepts, related
messaging and educational
materials; 3) help identify SWAP
stories per ecoregion for use in
regional education networks and
community groups.
Communicatio
ns, Education
Proposed Numerous All All See individual
environmental
education conservation
action items.
DNR See individual
environmental
education
conservation action
items.
128
Increase
Capacity for
Wildlife
Conservation
Establish a consistent source of state
funding for land protection to support
wildlife conservation
Funding Ongoing, Proposed Numerous All All TBD TNC, TGC, TCF, TPL,
GWF, State Legislature,
Governor's Office
DNR, UGA, Georgia
Land Conservation
Center, NWF, others
129
Increase
Capacity for
Wildlife
Conservation
Expand DNR Nongame Conservation
Section Aquatic Program
Administration Proposed Numerous All Numerous State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Fund, NOAA
grants
DNR USFWS, TNC,
130
Increase
Capacity for
Wildlife
Conservation
Facilitate DNR Law Enforcement
Division officer training to address
nongame wildlife law enforcement
needs.
Education,
Regulation
Ongoing, Proposed Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, state
appropriations
DNR UGA-GMNH,
NatureServe
High Priority Conservation Actions P-66
127
128
129
130
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Work with members of the SWAP Education Team and partner
organizations to identify areas in which coordinated communication
efforts are needed. Specifically: 1) Help create an online survey
supporting an assessment of Georgians’ wildlife conservation literacy; 2) help with the content of core educational concepts,
related messaging and educational materials; 3) help identify
SWAP stories per ecoregion for use in regional education networks
and community groups. Utilizing key messages drafted by
Education
H See individual environmental education conservation action items. Data collected will vary
according to the particular
communication initiatives, but
will include metrics
associated with development
and distribution of key
messages and surveys
conducted as components of
these communication
campaigns.
Various metrics related to
communications objectives,
including messages developed
and distributed, number of
recipients, survey results, etc.
Provide guidance and support for establishment of a consistent and
stable source of state funding for land protection, including fee-
simple acquisition, acquisition of conservation easements, and
other forms of permanent habitat protection
VH This conservation action is a critical component for the achievement of
species and habitat conservation objectives outlined in this document.
Georgia must have a consistent, long-term source of funding for land
protection to conserve critical habitats and populations of high priority
species. No such funding source exists at the state level. Georgia has
relied on a combination of federal grants, private donations, and short-
lived state funded efforts to protect wildlife habitat. This approach has
been only partly effective in addressing conservation needs for the wide
array of imperiled species and habitats in the state.
Information on funding
mechanisms used in Georgia
and other states, laws and
regulations needed to
establish funding programs,
and level of public support for
wildlife habitat acquisition.
Assessment of public
awareness of wildlife
conservation needs and
current lack of consistent
state funding to address
these needs.
Identification, public approval, and
establishment of a fundiing
mechanism to provide long-term
support for land protection for
wildlife conservation.
Development of specific criteria to
ensure that the fund is used to
address critical wildlife
conservation needs identified
through an iterative assessment
process based on best available
scientific data.
Expand DNR Nongame Conservation Section aquatic program so
that each major basin in the state has an aquatic species
conservation coordinator. Each coordinator would work with key
partners to conserve and monitor high priority aquatic species and
watersheds in each basin. Four basins are Atlantic, Gulf Slope,
Coosa, and Tennessee
VH The state only has 2 dedicated biologist positions to inventory, protect
and recover 165 high priority species . Our work load is increasing due
to our involvement with monitoring and conservation of candidate and
petitioned species as well as coordination of DNR efforts on the Robust
Redhorse Conservation Committee.
N/A Full time biologist dedicated to
Coosa, Tennessee, Mobile, and
Gulf Slope drainages.
Provide additional training on laws and regulations established to
protect nongame wildlife. Provide technical support and staff
resources to address enforcement of nongame and protected
species regulations.
VH Increasing familiarity with laws and regulations pertaining to nongame
and endangered wildlife and providing regionally relevant data on
distribution of these species will help staff assess and address
enforcement needs in each region. Providing additional staff resources
will be necessary to fully address enforcement needs in many areas.
Number of
programs/refresher courses
given and training material
provided. Number of cases
involving nongame or
endangered species
investigated.
Number of cases investigated
involving illegal nongame
activities; overall awarness of
nongame conservation issues and
regulations.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-67
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
131
Increase
Capacity for
Wildlife
Conservation
Improve biodiversity databases and
increase data-sharing with
conservation partners
Database Ongoing All All All State Wildlife Grants,
other federal grants,
matching funds from
landowners, Nongame
Wildlife Fund
DNR University System of
Georgia; USFWS,
TNC, NatureServe,
biological consulting
firms, conservation
planners, private
landowners
132
Increase
Capacity for
Wildlife
Conservation
Improve capacity to work with
corporate landowners to protect
wildlife habitat; provide technical
support through additional staff or
contractors
Administration Ongoing Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, State Wildlife
Grants, other federal
grants, matching funds
from landowners
DNR, NatureServe,
corporate landowners
The Conservation
Fund, TNC, NWF,
biological
consultants
133
Increase
Capacity for
Wildlife
Conservation
Increase availability and use of
federal funds for land acquisition (fee-
simple and conservation easements)
and land management
Funding Ongoing, Proposed Numerous All All LWCF, WSFR, Forest
Legacy, DoD,
Recovery Land
Acquisition, Coastal
Wetland Grants,
NAWCA Grants
USFWS, DNR, DoD, GFC,
NRCS, NPA
NFWF, TNC,
TCF,NWF
High Priority Conservation Actions P-68
131
132
133
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Develop protocol for electronic submission of rare species datasets
to WRD. Establish formal data-sharing agreements with UGA and
other conservation partners; develop a system for providing on-line
access to biodiversity data; assess and update database records
for all high priority species. Develop a database to document sites
where surveys were conducted but target species were not
detected (This information helps identify future survey needs and
also better informs status assessments). Rank occurrences of all
high priority species and habitats for conservation purposes.
VH Continued development and improvement of WRD biodiversity
databases is necessary in order to more accurately assess the
distribution and condition of rare species and natural communities and
prioritize conservation actions acccordingly. Established data sharing
agreements provide for responsible and appropriate use to achieve
conservation objectives while protecting sensitive habitats, rare species
populations, and private property rights. Ranking of occurrences helps
ensure that the most important populations are addressed first and that
resources are not wasted on populations with limited potential viability.
Records on location &
condition of rare species
populations and significant
natural communities;
biodiversity data users;
information requests
handled.
Number of new/updated database
records; number of data use
agreements; number of
information requests handled;
number of occurrences of high
priority species in WRD
databases.
Develop strong cooperative relationships with major corporate
landowners; exchange data on rare species and significant natural
communities; rank properties based on biodiversity value and
provide technical assistance in land management; develop options
for long-term protection, including fee-simple acquisition,
conservation easements, and incentive programs.
H Need to be be able to provide timely technical assistance to avoid loss
or degradation of critically important wildlife habitats and respond to
imminent large-scale divestiture of properties. This will require
additional staff or contractors to provide technical assistance to
implement biological inventories and conservation programs and
explore options for long-term protection.
Presence/absence data for
rare species on corporate
lands; indices of biodiversity
value based on rare species
and significant natural
communities.
Number of surveys conducted on
lands of corporate partners. Acres
of natural habitat and number of
populations of high-priority species
conserved through long term
management plans or permanent
land protection.
Improve coordination between conservation organizations to obtain
and use federal funds for long-term protection of high-priority
habitats and species. Assess funding programs and potential land
protection projects and obtain necessary matching funds through
innovative partnerships.
VH Several federal programs provide significant opportunities for land
protection, but the ability to obtain and use these funds depends on
many factors, including providing nonfederal matching funds. Better
coordination of conservation organizations and nonfederal funding
sources in Georgia can result in more effective use of federal funds to
protect high priority habitats and species.
Types of federal funding
programs and amount of
federal funds available.
Criteria for application of
funds. Availability of
nonfederal matching funds or
other forms of match.
Location and availability of
high priority properties.
Number of high priority species
and habitats protected or
enhanced through use of federal
funds. Acreage of high priority
sites protected through federal
funding programs.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-69
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
134
Increase
Capacity for
Wildlife
Conservation
Increase state funding to support
WRD's nongame wildlife
conservation programs
Funding Proposed All High Priority Species and
Habitats
All All State appropriations State Legislature GWF, TNC, other
conservation
organizatons
135
Increase
Capacity for
Wildlife
Conservation
Strengthen network of support for
wildlife conservation programs and
initiatives
Administration Proposed All High Priority Species and
Habitats
All All In-kind or part of
current organization
budgets.
TNC, GWF, TGC, Georgia
River Network, Georgia
Conservation Voters, 100
Miles
Georgia Land
Conservation Center,
Georgia Water
Coalition, National
Wildlife Federation
136
Reduce Impacts
from
Development
and Other
Activities
Conduct studies and distribute
findings on impacts to wildlife and
effectiveness of mitigation efforts for
solar and wind energy projects.
Research,
Outreach
Ongoing, Proposed Numerous All All State Wildlife Grants,
other federal funds,
private foundations
DNR, Georgia Power,
Georgia Southern
University, UGA, USFWS
Georgia Power,
EMCs, MEAG, GA
Solar Energy
Association, AFWA
137
Reduce Impacts
From
Development
and Other
Activities
Conserve populations of rare plants
in transmission line corridors;
maintain or enhance native
vegetation for pollinators and
migratory birds
Management Ongoing Numerous All All Nongame Wildife Fund,
federal grants, private
foundations, private
landowners
DNR, Georgia Power, local
EMCs,
State Botanical
Garden, Georgia
Botanical Society,
UGA,
High Priority Conservation Actions P-70
134
135
136
137
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Increase state appropriated funds for support of WRD's nongame
wildlife conservation efforts, including staff, equipment, and
operating expenses. This funding would provide support primarily
for the Nongame Wildife & Natural Heritage Section, but could also
support nongame conservation efforts by other WRD Sections as
well as DNR's conservation partners.
VH In 2015 the Georgia legislature approved a $300,000 appropriation for
nongame conservation projects by WRD, the first in more than a
decade. The largest source of private funding for the Section is the
sale of nongame license plates. Revenue from the sale of these
license plates is variable and uncertain. The ability to obtain federal
funding for many conservation programs depends on availability of
nonfederal matching funds. In addition, few state funds are available to
support environmental education programs by WRD; many of these
efforts are supported by private donations to the Nongame Wildlife
Fund, TERN, and other entities. Expanding state funding for the
Nongame Conservation Section of WRD would free up additional funds
for education-related efforts and provide more matching funds for
federally funded projects.
Information on current levels
and sources of funding for
nongame wildlife
conservation efforts,
including staff, equipment,
and project-related expenses.
Information on funding
needed to support future
efforts to conserve high
priority species and habitats,
provide education and
outreach programs to the
public, and meeting matching
fund requirements for grants.
Amount of state funding for
nongame wildlife conservation
programs in WRD; number of
conservation and education
programs funded.
Strengthen coalition of environmental organizations to
communicate SWAP objectives and work for improvements in
policies, fundng, and capacity for wildlife conservation.
VH A stronger and more coordinated coalition of conservation partners is
needed to call attention to wildlife and habitat conservation needs
statewide.
Number of wildlife
conservation initiatives
proposed and discussed with
decision makers.
State policy and funding to support
wildlife conservation and habitat
protection.
Use standard protocols to improve comparability to other studies,
enhance coordination among states, and provide a consistent
message to managers, decision makers, and the public.
M Two projects are currently underway that will provide useful information
on small-scale solar and wind generation projects. DNR will collaborate
with Georgia Power, USFWS, and Georgia Southern University on a
wind energy demonstration project on Skidaway Island, and with
Georgia Power, USFWS, and UGA on a solar power demonstration
project on the UGA campus in Athens.
Wind power: Impacts on
birds, bats, and other target
taxa. Solar power: impacts
on native groundcover, birds,
pollinators.
Studies conducted; results
distributed to solar power
companies, states, managers,
decision makers, and the public to
inform best management practices
Identify, delineate, and develop management plans for populations
of high priority plants occurring in transmission line corridors.
Communicate with management crews to ensure that vegetation
management techniques are compatible with maintenance of rare
plant populations. Offer technical assistance and financial
incentives to landowners to restore habitat adjacent to transmission
corridors. Monitor use of sites by pollinators and migratory birds
H Several populations of rare plants occur under powerlines maintained
by Georgia Power or local EMCs. The most important of these
populations need to be delineated with special management signs and
management guidelines developed to avoid unintended impacts from
vegetation management. Opportunities to restore or enhance adjacent
habitat will be explored. These habitats are also important for many
migratory birds and pollinators.
Location, condition and
extent of rare plant
populations. GPS
coordinates, management
requirements, potential site
viability, land ownership. Use
of native vegetation by
pollinators and migratory
birds.
Number of rare plant populations
delineated and protected through
special management guidelines.
Number of natural communities
protected and/or enhanced. Use
by pollinators and migratory birds
documented.
High Priority Conservation Actions P-71
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
138
Reduce Impacts
From
Development
and Other
Activities
Continue to expand the knowledge
base and use of native plants
Education,
Outreach
Ongoing Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, NRCS and
USFWS funds
DNR, GPCA and its
member institutions
GAEPPC, GPCA
and its member
institutions
139
Reduce Impacts
from
Development
and Other
Activities
Develop procedures for engaging
with developers in solar, wind, and
biomass energy, and collaborate on
the development of best practices.
Provide technical assistance to avoid
or minimize impacts to high priority
species and habitats. Conduct
outreach to the public and decision
makers about potential impacts to
wildlife and potential solutions.
Conservation
planning,
Outreach
Ongoing, Proposed Numerous All All Nongame Wildlife
Fund, USFWS, private
foundations
DNR, Georgia Power,
USFWS, GA Solar Energy
Association
EMCs, MEAG, U.S.
Industrial Pellet
Association, AFWA
140
Reduce Impacts
From
Development
and Other
Activities
Expand use of WRD biodiversity data
for environmental review, public
outreach, permitting, and
development of site management
plans to minimize impacts on rare
species and sensitive habitats
Database Ongoing Numerous All All State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Fund
DNR (WRD) TNC, UGA, USFWS,
Forestry for Wildlife
Partners,
NatureServe, DOD,
USFS, NPS, GDOT,
biological consulting
firms, conservation
planners
High Priority Conservation Actions P-72
138
139
140
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Work with DNR partners to educate the public and the green
industry with regard to the dangers of using non-native plants and
the benefits of using native alternatives. Work to encourage the
use and sale of natives by the public and green industry. Help
DNR's partners, especially the GPCA and GAEPPC, research and
document the benefits of native plants
M Use of non-native plants by the public and the green industry continues
to be a primary cause of environmental degradation, as well as an on-
going threat for even more disastrous future problems. Any reduction in
the use of non-natives and any increase in the use of natives (which
provide a myriad of positive benefits for wildlife) is very important.
Lists of non-native plant
species sold by green
industry in GA and lists of
native plant alternatives
available. Industry data on
sales on native and non-
native species.
Sales of native vs. non-native
plants by green industry members.
Responses to public surveys
addressing invasive species
issues and use of native plants.
Develop procedures for engaging developers in the siting,
permitting, mitigation, and implementation stages of solar and wind
energy development. Help develop and promote a voluntary best
practices one-pager. Promote early consultation with the Nongame
Conservation Section of Georgia Department of Natural Resources
as the first step during the site selection process to avoid impacts
to known species/habitats of conservation concern. Participate in
meetings and workshops with energy industry and wildlife agency
representatives to identify ways to engage in all stages of the solar
development process. Develop a “Risk Map” to be used as an early planning tool for solar, wind, and biomass energy project siting.
VH Solar and wind energy project developments provide benefits for energy
diversification but can result in negative impacts to native wildlife
species. Careful planning and technical assistance are needed to
ensure that impacts to at-risk species and sensitive habitats are
avoided or minimized. DNR will work with partners to develop voluntary
best practices, participate in consultation on species and habitats of
concern, and develop tools to help with planning.
Information on siting,
mitigation, and
implementation practices that
are compatible with wildlife
conservation. Information
from other state and regional
programs that interact with
solar and/or wind energy
developers.
Procedures developed; risk map
and other resources developed;
number of entities receiving
technical assistance; number of
meetings and workshops attended
Make data available by multiple mapping units on WRD website;
post high priority streams on GIS clearinghouse; incorporate high
priority watershed into information request procedures; post
pictures and accounts for all protected species on WRD website;
support development of taxonomic guides for rare species; develop
EO ranks for elements on lands of Forestry for Wildlife Partners
and other land managers
VH These efforts will help ensure greater awareness of rare species
concerns among planners, consultants, land managers, and the general
public, and will help ensure that these concerns will be addressed in
environmental review of projects and development of site management
plans.
Life history data, location
data; information on types of
data users and needs;
Number of contacts to WRD
website for rare species
information; number of EO ranks
for high priority species on
Forestry for Wildlife Partner lands;
number of taxonomic guides
produced; number of pictures and
species accounts for protected
species on WRD website
High Priority Conservation Actions P-73
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
141
Reduce Impacts
From
Development
and Other
Activities
Facilitate training for and compliance
with Best Management Practices for
erosion & sedimentation control,
stormwater runoff, and stream buffer
protection
Management,
Education,
Regulation
Ongoing Numerous All All Land disturbing activity
fees, state, federal, and
local government funds
DNR (EPD), GSWCC, Local
governments, ARC,
Metropolitan North Georgia
Water Planning District,
industries, county
governments, River Basin
Center
USFWS, TNC,
Georgia River
Network, developers,
site managers,
property owners,
neighborhoods,
property
associations, county
governments
142
Reduce Impacts
From
Development
and Other
Activities
Help minimize the impacts to high
priority species and habitats from
petroleum pipeline development and
other state or regional projects.
Conservation
Planning,
Regulation
Ongoing Numerous All All State funds, Nongame
Wildlife Funds,
USFWS
DNR GDOT, FERC,
USFWS, pipeline
companies, local
governments
143
Reduce Impacts
From
Development
and Other
Activities
Implement targeted dam and culvert
removal/replacement projects and
mitigation projects to restore and
conserve stream banks and channels
Management Ongoing Numerous All Numerous USFWS, SARP,
USACE, FEMA, FWHA
USFWS, DNR, Georgia
Wildlife Federation
SARP, TNC,
American Rivers,
UGA, USACE,
County road
departments,
consulting firms
144
Reduce Impacts
From
Development
and Other
Activities
Minimize impacts to high priority
species and habitats from the
exploration and potential
development of energy resources off
the coast of Georgia.
Conservation
Planning,
Regulation
Ongoing Marine and coastal species SCP Marine waters State funds, Nongame
Wildlife Fund, USFWS,
NOAA
DNR (CRD, WRD),
USFWS, NOAA
Bureau of Ocean
Energy
Management, energy
developers and
contractors
High Priority Conservation Actions P-74
141
142
143
144
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Includes a wide variety of training, monitoring, and enforcement
activities pertaining to erosion and sediment control, stormwater
management, wastewater management, and stream buffer
protection for activities relating to construction and development.
Provide technical information on BMPs through websites,
workshops, and publications.
H A variety of BMPs and training programs have been developed to
provide protection for water quality. These BMPs can provide
protection for high priority aquatic and terrestrial species as well,
depending on the local setting. Continued emphasis on training
industrial site managers, utility workers, county officials, and the general
public is needed to ensure that all persons involved in land
development or other land-disturbing activities are aware of regulations
and methods to reduce resulting impacts to aquatic habitats.
Monitoring and enforcement activities are also critical to ensure
compliance with state and local standards.
Number of training programs
provided; level of compliance
with BMPs and stream buffer
ordinances; number of
stormwater pollution
prevention plans for industrial
sites; number of
municipalities with
stormwater management
programs, including local
ordinances and public
education activities. Annual
progress reports submitted to
EPD.
Full compliance with erosion and
sedimentation control standards;
control of stormwater flows to
minimize impacts on aquatic
habitats; maintenance of intact
stream buffers; control or
treatment of wastewater and
stormwater within state water
quality standards. Increased
awareness of and compliance with
regulations and BMPs for
protection of water quality.
DNR will work with GDOT, FERC, USFWS, and pipeline companies
to avoid or minimize impacts of pipeline projects on rare species,
natural communities, and conservation lands. DNR will also work
with local governments and regulators to avoid or minimize impacts
from landfills and similar projects.
H Major petroleum pipeline projects cross multiple habitats and have the
potential to impact numerous high priority species and habitats.
Involvement by DNR staff in reviews of proposed projects and
interaction with pipeline developers and state and federal regulators is
critical for protection of wildlife habitats and public and private
conservation lands. Involvement in enviromental review is also needed
for more local projects such as landfills.
Proposed pipeline routes;
locations of rare species,
natural communities, and
public and private
conservation lands.
Level of engagement with
agencies and companies to
minimize impact to wildlife of
proposed petroleum pipelines and
other projects.
Use barrier inventories and models to strategically target barriers
for removal. Monitor aquatic communities before and after removal.
Continue working with the Corps of Engineers to select mitigation
properties that restore and conserve stream reaches in high priority
Georgia watersheds.
VH Barriers fragment aquatic species populations and prevent movements
to spawning, feeding, refuge, and nursery habitats. Barriers also block
colonization after local extinction. In order to achieve watershed level
benefits, mitigation projects must be strategically located and
adequately designed. Mitigation is expensive, so it is important that
resources are invested to achieve maximum benefits for rare species
and habitats.
Species distributions above
and below barriers before
and after project completion,
assessment of unintended
consequences associated
with invasive species,
sediment and contaminants.
Miles of stream re-connected;
proportion of stream habitat
restored or protected.
Provide timely reviews of proposed projects related to energy
exploration and potential energy resource development in marine
waters. Collaborate with federal and state agencies and local
governments to address potential impacts to high priority species
and other important natural resources
H Off-shore energy exploration and development has the potential to
impact species of conservation concern. DNR involvement in reviews
of proposed projects and collaboration with federal regulators are critical
for protection of wildlife resources in marine and coastal environments.
Information on proposed
projects, areas of potential
impact, high priority species
and habitats, and other
resources of concern.
Level of engagement with
agencies and companies to
minimize impact from offshore
energy exploration
High Priority Conservation Actions P-75
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
145
Reduce Impacts
from
Development
and Other
Activities
Participate in regional efforts to
understand impacts to wildlife and
develop strategies to minimize the
impacts of biomass energy
development. Identify and apply
relevant lessons from other states
and regions. Promote biomass
energy guidelines consistent with
wildlife conservation.
Conservation
Planning,
Education,
Outreach
Ongoing Numerous All All State Wildlife Grants,
other federal grants,
private foundations
DNR DOE, USDA, GFC,
AFWA, SFI, US
Industrial Pellet
Association,
landowners, public
146
Reduce Impacts
From
Development
and Other
Activities
Provide technical assistance to
farmers to protect streams in high
priority watersheds
Management Ongoing Numerous All Numerous Farm Bill Programs,
319 grants, Partners
for Fish and Wildlife
Program
NRCS USFWS, DNR, TNC,
GSWCC
147
Reduce Impacts
From
Development
and Other
Activities
Reduce impacts of ATV use on
streams and other sensitive habitats.
Management
and Education
Proposed Primary emphasis is on
aquatic species and habitats,
but includes other sensitive
habitats
All All, but
especially
Ohoopee
River and
Altamaha
River
Unknown DNR, GON Georgia Water
Coalition, ATV
manufacturers
148
Reduce Impacts
From
Development
and Other
Activities
Reduce impacts of unpaved roads,
parking lots, boat ramps, and
camping areas on aquatic habitats
Management,
Education
Proposed Aquatic species All All Federal highway ROW
funds, local
transportation funds
DNR, USFS County road
departments
149
Reduce Impacts
From
Development
and Other
Activities
Update Freshwater Mussel Survey
Protocol for the Southeastern
Atlantic Slope and Northeastern Gulf
Drainages in Florida and Georgia.
Survey and
Monitoring
Proposed Numerous All Numerous Unknown USFWS, DNR GDOT
High Priority Conservation Actions P-76
145
146
147
148
149
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Promote adherence to AFWA’s Guidelines for the Integration of Fish and Wildlife Conservation with Biomass Production; the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) standards during the development of field trials of
engineered high energy crops; and, any guidelines from NCS that
are applicable to local conditions. Guidelines may include avoiding
conversion of native habitat to establish bioenergy crops, avoiding
introductions of invasive species, minimizing the use of water for
bioenergy production, and following harvest guidelines that
minimize impact to fish and wildlife.
M Biomass energy production is a growing field and provides great
opportunities for economic development in Georgia. Guidelines should
be developed for use of materials and sites that do not contribute to
loss or decline in at-risk species or natural communities. AFWA and
other organizations have developed guidelines that could be adopted
and modified as needed to ensure that biomass energy production is
aligned with wildlife conservation goals.
Data on biomass energy
production practices that are
compatible with wildlife
conservation, as well as
those methods and materials
that contribute to loss or
decline in species diversity
and habitat quality.
Number of available regional
efforts in which GADNR
participates; Relevant lessons
identified and applied to outreach
efforts and development of best
practices;messages developed
and delivered on alignment of
biomass energy and wildlife
conservation goals.
Work with partners to help target programs to high priority
watersheds. Examples are riparian restoration, plugging ditches,
streambank stabilization, alternative water sources for cattle, etc.
VH Agricultural activities can contribute signficant amounts of sediment,
nutrients, and pesticides to streams, with negative impacts to species
and habitats.
Sediment, nutrient, and
pesticide levels in streams
before and after restoration
practices are implemented
Miles of riparian buffers restored,
miles of ditches plugged or
improved, number of practices
implemented
Educate citizens about the impact of ATV's on streambank stability
and shoreline habitats through commercials, fliers, etc. Provide
information about other sensitive habitats that should be recognized
and avoided by ATV users.
M ATV misuse was frequently cited by technical team and stakeholders as
a threat to aquatic habitat quality. Direct impacts from physically
crushing freshwater mussels is also likely in some areas. ATVs also
impact other sensitive habitats such as wet prairies and granite
outcrops.
Information on specific
impacts in various
watersheds or ecoregions;
number of ATV riders and
manufacturers
Number of messages produced
and distributed through fliers,
commercials, etc. Number of ATV
companies that supply info on
responsible riding to customers.
Acquire funds to pave frequently used dirt roads that contribute
significantly to sediment loads in adjacent streams. Close
infrequently used and eroding dirt or gravel roads, or re-engineer
turnouts to decrease sediment losses. Improve deteriorating boat
ramps as needed to reduce local sediment losses. Renovate or
relocate camping areas or trails that contribute to sedimentation or
streambank destabilization
M Unpaved roads can add large volumes of sediment to streams. These
impacts must be assessed in relation to the impacts of impervious
surfaces from paved roads. In some cases, little-used roads can be
closed by the landowner (e.g., USFS). In other cases, changes in
placement of turnouts or maintenance methods may adequately
address problems of sedimentation.
Information on high priority
roads for paving or closure,
high-traffic areas near
campgrounds, deteriorating
boat ramps, and other
problem areas adjacent to
high-priority streams.
Reduced local
erosion/sedimentation rates and
improved streambank stability.
Update the mussel sampling protocol. This protocol was developed
in the mid-2000’s and needs to better address the probability of detecting mussels during surveys. Protocols for gastropod surveys
should be also be addressed.
H A major issue with rare species surveys is the problem of incomplete
species detection. If the species is not found during a survey, it may still
be present. Models can be developed that estimate the probability of
detecting a mussel or snail species for different sampling methods
Detection history for target
species for different sampling
methods
Updated protocol shared with
partners
High Priority Conservation Actions P-77
Goal Conservation Action TypeOngoing or
ProposedFocal Species/Habitats
Ecoregion(s)
(SA-RV, BR,
PD, SP,
SCP, All)
Watershed
(HUC8)Funding Source(s) Lead Organization(s) Partners
150
Reduce Impacts
From
Development
and Other
Activities
Continue to work with Georgia
Department of Transportation and
federal agencies to minimize impacts
from highway construction and
facilitate protection and mitigation of
high priority habitats.
Database,
Management,
Habitat
Protection
Ongoing, Proposed All All All Federal Highway funds;
State Wildlife Grants,
Nongame Wildlife
Fund, Georgia Wetland
Trust Fund
DNR, GDOT, FWHA USFWS, COE, EPA,
TNC, Georgia Land
Conservation Center,
EPD, UGA, land
trusts
High Priority Conservation Actions P-78
150
DescriptionPriority
(VH,H,M)Comments/Justification Data Collected Performance Indicators
Continue collaborative efforts between DNR and GDOT to minimize
impacts from road construction projects to high priority species and
habitats. Share information on locations of rare species and
significant natural communities and sites that are suitable for
mitigation activities. Emphasize protection of sites that will
conserve high priority species and habitats and expand public
recreational opportunities.
VH Ongoing and future road construction projects have potential to impact
high priority species and habitats in many areas of the state. Efforts to
continue and expand collaboration between DNR and GDOT will be
critical for protection of high priority species and habitats and expansion
of state properties that provide diverse opportunities for public
recreation.
Locations of high priority
highway construction projects
and associated wetland and
stream mitigation needs.
Locations of rare species and
natural communities in need
of protection, and properties
that could provide
appropriate and meaningful
mitigation opportunities.
Number of mitigation sites
protected through fee-simple
acquisition or other means and
managed to preserve, restore, or
enhance wetland and/or stream
habitats. Minimized impacts to
high priority species and habitats
through coordination of planning
and assessment efforts.
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